A lot of people are predicting that COVID-19 will lead to a radical change in our social habits. Five years from now, there may no longer be cafes, restaurants, or mass gatherings!
Here's why you shouldn't believe these ahistorical predictions.
[A Very Short Thread]
Here's why you shouldn't believe these ahistorical predictions.
[A Very Short Thread]
1) Past pandemics didn't make people less sociable.
The pages of human history are filled with pandemics that are much more deadly than the coronavirus.
Every time, people went back to socializing and congregating with astonishing speed.
Why should this time be different?
The pages of human history are filled with pandemics that are much more deadly than the coronavirus.
Every time, people went back to socializing and congregating with astonishing speed.
Why should this time be different?
2) Humans are willing to tolerate great risk to socialize
Mortality from infectious disease was much higher in the past; people still congregated. Today, some places are very dangerous due to crime or terrorism; cafes are still full.
Why should these circumstances be different?
Mortality from infectious disease was much higher in the past; people still congregated. Today, some places are very dangerous due to crime or terrorism; cafes are still full.
Why should these circumstances be different?
Yes, the pandemic will—and should—lead to big changes in areas like public health. And yes, it may also affect other parts of our lives in deep and as yet unexpected ways.
But there will still be bars, cafes, parties, restaurants, and mass gatherings. Because we're human.
[End]
But there will still be bars, cafes, parties, restaurants, and mass gatherings. Because we're human.
[End]
