Hypothetically speaking, the word “unprecedented” is not one that should be used often. For something to be completely unknown or unexperienced is a rarity in the complex world we live in; yet, 2020 has found a way to insert this word into our headlines with a regular cadence. In addition to Coronavirus, sky-rocketing unemployment, stay-at-home orders, and more, it seems worth-while to consider the positive, less frequently discussed “unprecedented” pieces of the world we live in today.
TECHNOLOGY
Video conferencing and cell phones didn’t exist in 1918 when an estimated one-third of the world’s population became infected with the Spanish Flu. An individual’s ability to connect with loved ones was limited to those that happened to be in their immediate vicinity when the pandemic hit.
Today our ability to connect with people around the globe is limitless. With the click of a button we are able to tell our children who live two states away that we love them. With video-calls we are able to provide bed-side comfort to our Grandparents battling illnesses in the hospital where guests are not allowed.
Zoom has grown from a video-conferencing tool utilized by others in the SaaS industry, to a household name. They have enabled companies to continue operating with a mobile workforce; and they’ve enabled children to continue learning through online teaching and student engagement.
Indeed our technological advancements are unprecedented and have allowed us to continue to connect and cope.
GIG SERVICES
The average 21st century household is dependent upon the community in which it exists. When that household is suddenly being encouraged to not interact with others, dependencies are even more apparent. No dining out? No school and/or childcare? Work and educate from home? No social interaction?
The creation and availability of gig services has come at a time when we need them the most. Grocery delivery services such as Instacart have seen their highest ever demand in 2020.
UberEats has not only assisted restaurants struggling to stay afloat, but they also have provided food and assistance to those who have been getting claustrophobic at home.
If there is anything we can take away from our year thus far it is that (1) we can’t predict what will be in our headlines tomorrow, and (2) our world is full of incredible minds, inventors, and entrepreneurs who continue creating positively unprecedented solutions to the complexities of life, and of 2020.