THE NEW POST-PANDEMIC ERA
Essay by Arch. Eric Bogantes / March 2021
A year has passed since the beginning of the health crisis in Costa Rica and the world. The coronavirus. Full of intrigue in an unstable year where we reveal many truths about our needs as human beings, a new era emerges at the end of the road that has changed the world.
After the pain that all this crisis caused, the world began to transform, and the teachings have been forceful; the world has changed. I list the new realities of the post-pandemic era as an exercise in awareness:
The resurgence of a new digital age:
Digital was already there, but after the crisis, we became more dependent on cell phones, tablets, and computers. Why? We cannot deny that everything is simpler, more agile, and immediate.
The possibility of working anywhere in the world:
These distance tools cause a physical detachment from the place where we live, and attachment barriers begin to be broken. Remote work environments are possible. Travel and knowledge of cultures different from ours is now possible with a job that fits in a trunk and a cable with an internet connection.
Detachment from physical meetings:
The resurgence of platforms such as Zoom, TeamViewer, and GoToMeeting, among others, opens up a range of possibilities that existed before but are now a new tangible reality. Saving resources and time accelerates production relationships and execution through online platforms. Although this is not something new, we already feel comfortable with them.
An “expertise” appears that did not exist before, and communication and tools are at a distance.
The breakdown of family traditions:
Social networks are popularized and massed because of a massive era of information that we have already been living. It is a significant change. Our way of knowing the world no longer translates to a square TV screen with 12 channels; our information consumer medium now contains millions of channels, with different opinions under different perspectives, lies, and realities, but a wide selection to exercise our thinking. In this era of mass digital consumption, the user goes through a stage of information crisis that can be manipulated by the code of the platforms for dependence and consumption habits. (Netflix; The Social Dilemma) However, it can evolve positively if we encourage the code to engage with quality content that inspires us and facilitates daily learning.As a result of the “crisis of confinement,” mandatory quarantines that caused us psychological and mental damage, it goes out to awaken a new love for nature. We are more aware of its beauty and ability to affect us emotionally with its presence. It is a healing spirit that has always existed and is an important stimulus for many of us.
The emigration of the cities
With a high awareness of how we want to live our future, the beach, the mountain, and any place capable of opening our visual panorama are now more valuable. There is a shift in mindset regarding how we want to live, especially after others dictate when we should leave these enjoyable spaces.
A respite and the wellness:
As a product of the quarantine, the world breathes, and he accelerated pace of life slows down. The consequence is an approach to our spiritual side. Wellness, yoga, nutrition, sports, and a healthy life mark a fashion and a trend to be followed by many. Hence, the popularity of Tulum, a thriving tourist town, has resurgence due to its feeling of attachment to the spiritually balanced and organically sensitive environment.
The quality of the living and working space. Now more than ever; the house has changed and been rethought as a catalyst for our lifestyle. Labor also, but a new sector appears as the population that works at home. This home office arises as proposals for spaces with mixed needs in the same place.
The new social classes differences and the latest political crisis.
The disconnection of a part of our society arises. It is defined as a part of our society that is in an outdated process of new forms of employment. Uber and taxis are the most classic example. There is a population that is extinguished by the change, and its sources of employment will remain unstable for a while as they become outdated.
The new spontaneous money.
Some are in the new line of the digital age; those warriors are widely exposed to criticism, but if their ideas are good, they have the upper hand. They have become powerful media of mass information with the ability to capitalize on money never seen before in such a short time. This new opportunity for those who are pioneers, with a fine line between success and failure.
The revaluation of the human being.
The time between friends and family counteracts the frivolousness of having less contact with each other due to the constant use of digital media. New families arise, and with them, our friendship relationships open to a more complex and open understanding of what it means to live as a family. Sharing with others is a special time we want to spend well with the right people.
