The future

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who?mikejones
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8:52a, 4/14/20
AG
I heard some interesting interviews with some futurist yesterday about how they see the post pandemic world changing. It's a very interesting thought experiment.

Let's get a thread going discussing what the post covid world might look like.

1. Government- how do you see government changing?
2. Social norms- handshakes going away? Masks in everyday life? Large group activities gone? Does dating change?
3. Structural changes- building codes changed? What else do you think might physically change?
4. Cultural changes- how does this virus change our culture?
5. Family dynamics- will this pandemic change our family life for the long term?

I find this very interesting to discuss. Add you own categories as you see fit.
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Complete Idiot
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8:57a, 4/14/20
I hope we don't swing too far to the side of continued distancing from ourselves - more WFH, more online learning, all online shopping, large events like conferences or concerts eliminated or modified. Humans need interaction and we also need to build up immunities to the diseases that circulate every year. If everyone has emergency planning to enable a quick switch to distancing in cases of a novel pandemic - a rare event - then that of course would make sense. The software and hardware to enable remote work, remote learning in case it is needed.

But it seems the world hasn't been impacted like this since 1918 so massive changes for 100 year events wouldn't take hold, I don't think.
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Orlando Ayala Cant Read
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In reply to who?mikejones • 8:59a, 4/14/20
AG
who?mikejones said:
I heard some interesting interviews with some futurist yesterday about how they see the post pandemic world changing. It's a very interesting thought experiment.

Let's get a thread going discussing what the post covid world might look like.

1. Government- how do you see government changing? The only thing I see is that next time there's a pandemic outbreak in its earlier stages, its going to get more attention and more worry and maybe more action.
2. Social norms- handshakes going away? Masks in everyday life? Large group activities gone? Does dating change? No, not at all. Things will be back to normal soon after this is over. Including hand shaking.
3. Structural changes- building codes changed? What else do you think might physically change? No changes.
4. Cultural changes- how does this virus change our culture? Don't see it changing much other than as noted above, if we see far off places start to talk about experiencing a sickness that's spreading fast, we might take some action here earlier
5. Family dynamics- will this pandemic change our family life for the long term? No don't think so.

I find this very interesting to discuss.
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bay fan
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In reply to who?mikejones • 9:02a, 4/14/20
S
I personally won't shoot my hand out when I meet someone anymore. It seems common sense we adapt and form a new custom, a slight head bow perhaps. Hugs and hand shakes will be reserved for close friends and family.

I hope the lesson we learn from this great pause isn't fleeting. I have thoroughly enjoyed this time with my 26 year old son. I soft toss him in the batting cage, something I haven't done in years. We cook together, enjoy a drink out back in the evenings and play games. We've always been close but this last month has been amazing and I think will be time we both look back on our whole lives fondly.

I feel this last month provided a reset from the rat race and pressure I've felt most of my adult life. I intend to simplify going forward and I hope others get that chance too.

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who?mikejones
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In reply to who?mikejones • 9:36a, 4/14/20
AG
who?mikejones said:
I heard some interesting interviews with some futurist yesterday about how they see the post pandemic world changing. It's a very interesting thought experiment.

Let's get a thread going discussing what the post covid world might look like.

1. Government- how do you see government changing? i dont see govt shrinking. The Republicans dont have it in them anymore to reduce spending and the progressive wing could use this massive increase in spending to parrot a more socialistic form of govt will work out fine
2. Social norms- handshakes going away? Masks in everyday life? Large group activities gone? Does dating change? i think handshakes will go away. Some other form of cultural introduction will take it's place. I dont think mask will be a forever thing except for maybe large gatherings such as sporting events and airports. Perhaps flu season will see an increased use of masks
3. Structural changes- building codes changed? What else do you think might physically change? i do think building codes will change. Commercial project will require more hands free options such as auto doors, hands free sinks, paper towels and trash cans(which is already at most new commercial jobs anyway)
4. Cultural changes- how does this virus change our culture? more partisanship. This will be a wedge issue for at least 20 years. Maybe the high mortality rate for certain people will cause major lifestyle changes. Perhaps Americans will be even less independent and in turn become more dependent on govt to solve societal ills.
5. Family dynamics- will this pandemic change our family life for the long term?

I find this very interesting to discuss. Add you own categories as you see fit.
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buffalo chip
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9:42a, 4/14/20
S
Waiting for the "take it to the politics board" cops to show up...
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beerad12man
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In reply to who?mikejones • 9:56a, 4/14/20
AG
Good god no on long term masks at sporting events. It's hot enough at those games to begin with. We've had the flu every year and didn't wear masks. No reason to change that.

If we aren't in the middle of a pandemic, masks aren't necessary. I'll wear them as long as it can help COVID19, but not a minute longer.
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beerad12man
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9:59a, 4/14/20
AG
To answer the OP, hopefully as minimal as humanly possible to all scenarios. We survived just fine 99% of the time doing what we are doing now.

Just be better prepared and educated if/when another COVID19 situations occur and adjust behaviors then.
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rgag12
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10:03a, 4/14/20
AG
The only way society will change is if we are forced to change for a prolonged period of time.

If we had virus seasons like this every winter from now on then I can see society making major changes to adjust. However it's human nature to go back to what feels normal when allowed, and what we've been doing for a month or two now is not normal for most humans.
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Flashdiaz
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10:17a, 4/14/20
AG
hopefully people keep the habit of washing their hands and I personally like the 6ft distancing in lines.
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who?mikejones
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In reply to buffalo chip • 10:24a, 4/14/20
AG
This isnt necessarily a political discussion
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Tex100
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10:24a, 4/14/20
AG
I feel like we are on the "other side" in the series Counterpart.
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TXAggie2011
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In reply to buffalo chip • 10:27a, 4/14/20
AG
buffalo chip said:
Waiting for the "take it to the politics board" cops to show up...
This board has slid close enough to **** show territory I don't think most of the "cops" are going to put up the effort.
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agforlife97
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10:49a, 4/14/20
AG
I think working from home will become much more common and the trend away from brick and mortar businesses will accelerate.
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1/2 Man 1/2 Amazing
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In reply to bay fan • 10:53a, 4/14/20
AG
Love everything about this post except I won't change much of anything. Sure, maybe I won't shake hands as much for the first few months but after that I believe we will be just fine.
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FCBlitz
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In reply to Orlando Ayala Cant Read • 11:05a, 4/14/20
Generally agree with these answers.

After the 1918 pandemic folks moved on to survive the next disaster.

Will there be some PTSD.....oh yeah.

What we are facing is nothing compared to sending our boys over to fight WOT EXPERIENCED. Years of being surrounded by death.
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Kyle Field Shade Chaser
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11:10a, 4/14/20
AG
We can start by shutting down wet markets in China
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Keegan99
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In reply to Kyle Field Shade Chaser • 11:13a, 4/14/20
AG
Much more probable this came from the nearby lab that was doing research on novel bat coronaviruses than the wet market.
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TXAggie2011
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In reply to Keegan99 • 11:17a, 4/14/20
AG
Keegan99 said:
Much more probable this came from the nearby lab that was doing research on novel bat coronaviruses than the wet market.
More probable based on what? That sure as heck isn't where the science is pointing.
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Keegan99
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In reply to TXAggie2011 • 11:22a, 4/14/20
AG
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/04/14/state-department-cables-warned-safety-issues-wuhan-lab-studying-bat-coronaviruses/

Note that I did not say the virus was engineered or anything of the sort. I assume that's what you meant by "the science".

It was / is natural. But it didn't come from a vendor selling bats, especially since bats are not native to the region and generally not sold at the market. Much more likely the facility blocks away that was researching these very viruses had a leak.
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LEJ
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In reply to who?mikejones • 11:31a, 4/14/20
who?mikejones said:


1. Government- how do you see government changing?

Govt, esp locals, will come under greater scrutiny. There will be more accountability from constituents.

2. Social norms- handshakes going away? Masks in everyday life? Large group activities gone? Does dating change?

At some point, I'm going to offer up a hand shake to a stranger.

3. Structural changes- building codes changed? What else do you think might physically change?

Likely

4. Cultural changes- how does this virus change our culture?

We are more heavily armed than at any point in history and an armed society is a polite society


5. Family dynamics- will this pandemic change our family life for the long term?

I don't think so

I find this very interesting to discuss. Add you own categories as you see fit.
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WhoHe
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11:45a, 4/14/20
AG
I've been amazed to see how quickly the environment "resets" and cleans itself out. From fish back in the canals of Venice to seeing the Himalayas from hundreds of miles away for the first time in decades ... I'm by no means an environmental alarmist who is banging the climate change drum, but it is shocking to see just how remarkable the results have been from the world slowing down for a few weeks.

I wonder once we're past the health and economic recovery from this pandemic if anyone stops to consider what the environmental benefits would be of instituting some sort of annual slowdown for a week to let the planet flush the toilet ... I doubt it would ever happen, but again, it's floored me how clean the planet started getting within the first week or so.
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California Ag 90
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11:49a, 4/14/20
AG
its early but this is an interesting thread for vision casting.

1. transition to increasingly federalized distribution of power, already underway but will accelerate. States that are disproportionately hit (in terms of death (NY) or economically (TX) by federal policy will take greater control over their public health policies.

2. minimal. handshakes and human interaction are tried and true for millennia of human society and won't change over a bug that kills 40K in a population of 330M.

3. urbanization era is over. back in the 90's the predictions of 'futurists' were exurban - the internet enabling distribution of population from central cities. millennials delaying marriage and childbirth compared to earlier generations, combined with media/content centers in NYC, LA, SF created a positive image for urban living. that is over. talking to friends in manhattan reveals a common theme - 'when this is over i'm getting the hell out of here'. urban decay similar to 70's lies ahead.

4. trust in institutions, already faltering, will take a big hit as this plays out. people will seek to replace government institutions as safeguards for their well being - this will play out in significant and unpredictable ways.

5. i suspect families will 'live closer'. i live a long way from my extended family and for the first time feel this is very unfortunate - times like this make you want family closer. i suspect we will see families not be as dispersed in the future.

just my views.
We're from North California, and South Alabam
and little towns all around this land...
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Flashdiaz
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11:50a, 4/14/20
AG


Interesting pic choice for a Forbes article:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/tamarathiessen/2020/04/10/how-clean-air-cities-could-outlast-covid-19-lockdowns/#68776beb6bb5
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TheAngelFlight
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In reply to Keegan99 • 11:54a, 4/14/20
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Bruce Almighty
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12:18p, 4/14/20
AG
We have short memories. IMO, nothing major changes.
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LEJ
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In reply to WhoHe • 12:43p, 4/14/20
WhoHe said:
I've been amazed to see how quickly the environment "resets" and cleans itself out. From fish back in the canals of Venice to seeing the Himalayas from hundreds of miles away for the first time in decades ... I'm by no means an environmental alarmist who is banging the climate change drum, but it is shocking to see just how remarkable the results have been from the world slowing down for a few weeks.

I wonder once we're past the health and economic recovery from this pandemic if anyone stops to consider what the environmental benefits would be of instituting some sort of annual slowdown for a week to let the planet flush the toilet ... I doubt it would ever happen, but again, it's floored me how clean the planet started getting within the first week or so.


If what you're saying is accurate, in the time period that it happened, it seems to me that we've inadvertently shown that mankind has a somewhat minor effect on climate.
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Keegan99
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In reply to TXAggie2011 • 1:17p, 4/14/20
AG
https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/12/asia/china-coronavirus-research-restrictions-intl-hnk/index.html

China imposing heavy restrictions on research into the origins. Science!

"Under the new policy, all academic papers on Covid-19 will be subject to extra vetting before being submitted for publication. Studies on the origin of the virus will receive extra scrutiny and must be approved by central government officials, according to the now-deleted posts."
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Capitol Ag
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In reply to bay fan • 1:24p, 4/14/20
AG
bay fan said:
I personally won't shoot my hand out when I meet someone anymore. It seems common sense we adapt and form a new custom, a slight head bow perhaps. Hugs and hand shakes will be reserved for close friends and family.

I hope the lesson we learn from this great pause isn't fleeting. I have thoroughly enjoyed this time with my 26 year old son. I soft toss him in the batting cage, something I haven't done in years. We cook together, enjoy a drink out back in the evenings and play games. We've always been close but this last month has been amazing and I think will be time we both look back on our whole lives fondly.

I feel this last month provided a reset from the rat race and pressure I've felt most of my adult life. I intend to simplify going forward and I hope others get that chance too.

Great points. Sunday, I sat outside and realized I had nothing that is was worried about in the background. Just enjoying my kids and wife. I get to experience my kiddos while young and it's been a blessing. Also, I've taken stock in what real direction I want to take going forward in terms of career. Why do crap I hate without at least a real game plan to get to what I do love doing to make money. Sure, work at "a job" to save up money to be able to do what I want. Without the grind going on filling up my mind I can think a little clearer than normal.
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Capitol Ag
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In reply to Flashdiaz • 1:25p, 4/14/20
AG
Flashdiaz said:


Interesting pic choice for a Forbes article:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/tamarathiessen/2020/04/10/how-clean-air-cities-could-outlast-covid-19-lockdowns/#68776beb6bb5
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agsalaska
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1:35p, 4/14/20
AG
I would like to think, and I know this will not happen en mass, but I hope that some people at least learn a lesson from it and figure out a way to live within their means.

I got laid off in 2014 from a company I had been with for 15 years(since graduation). We were bought out and told to get gone. I had a nice salary and a big house in Grapevine. And two car payments. And credit cards etc.

My wife and I learned a lesson from that. When we moved to Central Texas we bought a home for maybe a quarter of what we were approved for. It's a nice home and a great place to raise our children. We bought our last two cars outright. We own our boat outright. We have no credit card debt. Etc. Etc. We decided that we should be able to survive on two ten dollar an hour jobs. And we could if we absolutely had too.

That's not to say we dont spend money. We do. The four of us went to Alaska last year and rented an RV for 8 days. We went skiing, Vegas, etc. And we have our investments and land and what not. We pretty much do what we want. And we certainly don't try to earn to our lifestyle. We are hoping to grow our new business into a monster. But that business could make me a million dollars a year or be a bust. Either way it will not change our daily lives.

Considering what we are going thru right now and our business is non essential, I am feeling pretty good about the decisions we made. I hope others learn to do the same thing. I could not imagine going thru this right now worried about the things I was worried about in 2014.
I don’t say this in a braggedocious way. But it’s true. I’ve been right about everything.

-Donald J Trump
-9/22/2025



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BusterAg
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1:37p, 4/14/20
AG
1) We should stop shaking hands. I like a nice Asian bow. Don't touch me.
2) Institutions, of every sort, have lost a ton, A TON, of credibility. They lied to us. This is deserved, because our institutions are, in general, poison. It's also bad, because faith in institutions is an important pillar of productive society.
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aaronag02
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1:54p, 4/14/20
More copper and anti microbial surfaces
Disinfecting drones
No company will be proud of their Open office floor plans, they won't get rid of them but won't mention them
Less Encouraging your employees to show up sick
More robots in the food supply chain
More delivery based services
Telemedicine will be here to stay
Work from home will be the rage for "cool" companies
We will have to save the post office
A lot Kids activities will take a step back
Made in America / assembled in America will be the rage
temperature scans will replace metal detector as the sign of safety at the door
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UTExan
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3:08p, 4/14/20
I think the OP makes some good points:
1.) I hope that social distancing becomes a thing and we can gradually reduce handshaking as well.
2.) the power of home: another hopeful sign is that kids are happy at home with parents and maybe work from distance strategies will pay off.
3.) the importance of real work: no athlete or entertainer is worth any money if they cannot deliver your groceries, parcels, restock the grocery shelves or take your customer service complaint. I hope athletics is relegated back to amateur status and additional financial compensation goes to people in the consumer logistics/supply chain.
4.) the decline of bricks and mortar education: we could save billions by distance teaching and save tons of money to eliminate many administrative and support jobs in the public education system. School sports? Meet at a public park and practice/ play games but don't bleed taxpayer money for what is actually a recreational event.
Just my .02.
“If you’re going to have crime it should at least be organized crime”
-Havelock Vetinari
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UTExan
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In reply to California Ag 90 • 3:14p, 4/14/20
California Ag 90 said:
its early but this is an interesting thread for vision casting.

1. transition to increasingly federalized distribution of power, already underway but will accelerate. States that are disproportionately hit (in terms of death (NY) or economically (TX) by federal policy will take greater control over their public health policies.

2. minimal. handhakes and human interaction are tried and true for millennia of human society and won't change over a bug that kills 40K in a population of 330M.

3. urbanization era is over. back in the 90's the predictions of 'futurists' were exurban - the internet enabling distribution of population from central cities. millennials delaying marriage and childbirth compared to earlier generations, combined with media/content centers in NYC, LA, SF created a positive image for urban living. that is over. talking to friends in manhattan reveals a common theme - 'when this is over i'm getting the hell out of here'. urban decay similar to 70's lies ahead.

4. trust in institutions, already faltering, will take a big hit as this plays out. people will seek to replace government institutions as safeguards for their well being - this will play out in significant and unpredictable ways.

5. i suspect families will 'live closer'. i live a long way from my extended family and for the first time feel this is very unfortunate - times like this make you want family closer. i suspect we will see families not be as dispersed in the future.

just my views.


I agree with all of that: I wonder if the model for going to school, getting your degree, going off to the city to work while living in the city will ever be quite so attractive again.
“If you’re going to have crime it should at least be organized crime”
-Havelock Vetinari
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