How will the world be different after what we experienced during the pandemic?
Positive Expectations
In this scenario, a heightened sense of community spirit and mutual aid has emerged, leading to long-lasting benefits for social cohesion and solidarity. People continue to volunteer to help vulnerable individuals and families, while also becoming aware of their connection to the global community, developing a global consciousness. This newfound awareness has prompted society to rethink the way we use and manage natural resources, leading to positive changes in resource management. Additionally, people are now more conscious of how they spend their money, leading to changes in consumer behavior. However, despite these positive changes, many people are still experiencing increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, which have long-lasting effects on individuals and society as a whole.
Hopeful Dreams
In this scenario, the coronavirus pandemic has brought public health to the forefront and increased awareness of the importance of vaccines for public health. There is a desire for people to understand the critical role that vaccines play in maintaining public health.
The pandemic has also highlighted the need to invest in healthcare and public health infrastructure, with increased attention being placed on the importance of funding for these sectors.
Furthermore, the pandemic has resulted in increased collaboration and dialogue on global issues such as climate change and poverty reduction. This collaboration and dialogue have led to greater awareness and a more concerted effort to address these critical issues.
Expected Challenges
In this scenario, some things remain the same, and people return to their old routines. However, people place a higher value on their homes and travel less frequently to distant places for leisure.
The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital technologies, leading to innovations in areas such as remote work, telemedicine, and online education. This accelerated adoption has resulted in a shift in the way people work, receive medical care, and learn.
Social interactions will remain more physically distant, with people continuing to practice social distancing measures. This may lead to changes in the way people interact and socialize.
However, the pandemic has also resulted in society becoming more polarized and socially fragmented, as people comply with existing rules and regulations differently. This has resulted in varying degrees of adherence to guidelines and increased societal tension.
Finally, the speaker expects society to return to a semi-global world similar to the 1970s and 1980s, where travel and international interactions are limited compared to pre-pandemic times.
Challenge Background
This is an open community challenge with the goal to explore the development of our individual and collective expectations, hopes and fears related to societal challenges triggered by the corona pandemic. It is a follow-up to the challenge "Cartographies of Change" which was organized in 2021 at the beginning of the Coronavirus outbreak as part of the project "Interweaving Change" by the BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt and STATE.
Challenge Host
STATE is a Berlin-based initiative that builds cultural programs at the intersection of science, art, and society to help forward ideas for a sustainable future. With exhibitions, residencies, and events, STATE invites its audience to curated deep-dives into current topics that shape our tomorrow.