Here Is What 2030 Might Look Like

It’s interesting to consider that we are currently living through a historic year. As much as we want to forget about the pandemic and the bad vibes it has brought to 2020, this year will be talked about for many years to come. Even after the virus is a terrible, distant memory, students and younger generations will be learning about this in history class.

The historic changes that this year has produced makes me wonder what will stick around for years to come. Just 12 months ago, the thought of wearing a mask to a grocery store was unheard of, but moving forward, I have a feeling it will become commonplace well after COVID-19 is under control.

Sneezing and coughing during “flu season” was thought of as typical, but now, the sound of such behavior results in an awkward moment amongst strangers. I don’t see the stigma of sneezing, coughing, or even being sick in public will ever truly fade.

Online shopping has been around for years, but the uptick in use during the pandemic was astronomical. Once people realized that you can, in fact, find everything online, I think we’ll start to see more and more brick-and-mortar stores close their doors for good.

I try to envision what 2030 will look like, and I still see masks and fear. I see e-commerce completely overtaking other forms of shopping and I have a feeling the effects of social distancing will result in an overall distant population, physically and mentally.

We all want to forget this year, but the impact of it will be with us for a long time.