Reflections on COVID, Culture, and Technology A Different Kind of Thanksgiving Be thankful that a new day has arrived. No matter how difficult things may seem, the sun will rise again tomorrow. During the COVID shutdowns, many stores closed on Thanksgiving so people wouldn’t gather in large crowds. In some ways, that encouraged a return to simpler traditions. Instead of spending the entire holiday shopping or glued to devices, families spent more time hunting, reading books, playing games, cooking meals together, and reconnecting at home. Returning to the Outdoors Local parks saw record numbers of visitors, and more people began spending time outdoors. Even kids developed a renewed interest in hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities. People also started cooking at home far more often, while restaurant visits declined and grocery bills increased. These shifts reminded many people of a slower and more grounded way of living that had been fading for years. The Downside of Constant Screens At the same time, many people became consumed by nonstop news cycles, social media, and fear-driven conversations surrounding the virus and politics. Endless time spent staring at screens and worrying about government failures created another cultural problem of its own. According to Verizon, U.S. video game usage during peak hours surged after quarantines began, and television viewing also increased dramatically. While some positive lifestyle changes emerged during shutdowns, excessive media consumption and digital dependence became major downsides. Cancel Culture and Political Division Over the last several years, the idea of “cancel culture” has expanded dramatically. Public figures, celebrities, and even political leaders can now lose platforms, careers, or public support almost overnight because of controversial opinions or statements. Social media companies such as Twitter and Facebook
