Covid-19: A Bittersweet Effect

By: Deanza J. Andriansyah

Edited by: Fiorina Siamir

Approximately, there has been a total of 157,000 deaths due to the Covid-19 pandemic in Indonesia alone. The pandemic that began in 2020 has deeply affected almost everybody’s lives, whether it be negatively, positively, or both. Now that most of the world is slowly but surely adapting back to our ‘normal’ lives, let’s take a look at the bittersweet effect that the pandemic left us with.

It is undeniable that technology has become much more significant in our lives. In April of 2020, the Zoom app had around 300 million daily active users. Google Classroom became a significant tool for almost every educational institution. As of 2021, it had an estimate of 150 million users worldwide, an increase of almost 100% from 2019. With all the time spent on screens, technology addiction also worsened due to the pandemic.

The use of online gaming, text chats, and online dating apps have vastly increased. TikTok saw a growth of 180 percent among 15-25 year old users after the pandemic broke out. Social media and technology have become an escape for individuals that felt isolated, anxious or depressed due to the pandemic. 

Many companies and businesses shut down due to the pandemic. Nearly 100,000 businesses were permanently shut down, according to Yelp.com's Local Economic Impact Report. On the other hand, the pandemic had many entrepreneurs starting new businesses. According to the Census Bureau, more than 4.4 million new businesses were created in the U.S. during 2020 and half a million new businesses were started in January 2021, alone. Whether it be due to pre-Covid plans or simple boredom, it is fortunate to see many new businesses thrive despite the uncertain economy.

Sadly, most classes, meetings, graduations and even weddings were held online. However, a positive that came out of this was the improvement of air quality since the pandemic’s first lockdown. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)’s Air Quality and Climate Bulletin, South East Asia saw a 40% reduction in the level of harmful airborne particles caused by traffic and energy production in 2020.

China, Europe and North America also saw emissions reductions and improved air quality. Of course, for some, being able to get so much done from the comfort of their home was a benefit. A reduction in travel time, costs and increased productivity were some advantages for those working from home.

Overall, the pandemic was a trying time for all of us. You might have lost loved ones, had your business affected, missed many important events, and more. But it can help to look at the sweet side of the pandemic’s effects and remind yourself that things might just go back to normal soon.

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