Unpacking our collective COVID-19 trauma, five years on
Mar 12, 2025
auto_awesome
David Wallace-Wells, a science writer for The New York Times, discusses the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on American society. He highlights how the rush to recover often neglected the collective trauma experienced, resulting in increased individualism and less empathy. Wallace-Wells points out the shift from public health responses to a privatized approach and reflects on how this impacts trust in institutions. The conversation also dives into the new consumer behaviors shaped by the pandemic and personal stories from listeners about their experiences.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a profound collective trauma that many Americans have yet to acknowledge, resulting in a more self-interested society.
Despite indicators of economic recovery, a widespread disconnect persists as many Americans feel marginalized and pursue riskier financial behaviors post-pandemic.
Deep dives
The Unprocessed Trauma of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has left a profound mark on American society, yet many individuals have not fully processed its trauma. With approximately 1.5 million Americans dead due to the virus, the public has largely overlooked the enduring health consequences that result from it, including millions more disabled by chronic illnesses. This trauma has also fostered a shift in societal values, promoting a more self-interested attitude among many. The podcast discusses how this widespread lack of acknowledgment might lead to a generational transformation that remains unaddressed, as society rushes to return to a perceived state of normalcy.
The Rush Back to Normalcy
As the country emerged from strict lockdown measures, there was an overwhelming desire to revert to pre-pandemic normalcy, often before fully processing the grief associated with the numerous lives lost. Miscommunication regarding the risk post-vaccination also complicated the return to normal since many believed it was safe, despite the ongoing death toll. The discussion highlights the disconnect between the political narrative of moving forward and the reality of the pandemic's toll, which has not aligned with public perception of safety. This rush to resume normal activities without adequate recognition of collective trauma may have lasting effects on interpersonal relationships and community dynamics.
Individualism and Social Change
During the pandemic, initial displays of solidarity devolved into a more individualistic attitude as people began prioritizing personal freedoms over communal health. Once the immediate danger of the virus receded, public concern shifted towards the burdens associated with compliance to health measures, resulting in a rise in oppositional attitudes towards masks, vaccines, and other regulations. This change is observed in both personal interactions and wider societal behaviors, where people started to assert their needs aggressively, often disregarding collective responsibility. As society evolves, the lasting impact of this newfound assertiveness continues to shape social norms and interpersonal relationships.
Economic Sentiments and Shifts
The pandemic has influenced how Americans perceive their economic realities, creating a disconnect between objective metrics and public sentiment. Despite indicators showing economic recovery, many Americans still feel dislocated and left behind, which has led to a phenomenon termed 'vibe session' to describe this discrepancy. The infusion of pandemic relief funds also altered consumer behavior, with many turning to riskier, speculative investments during an economic downturn. This shift emphasizes a broader transformation in economic attitudes fueled by a traumatic collective experience, which prompts a reconsideration of traditional American entrepreneurship amidst new societal pressures.
Five years ago, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Since then, there have been lockdowns, a recession, two presidential elections and more than a million American lives lost from the disease. In many ways, life feels like it’s back to normal, but David Wallace-Wells, a writer for The New York Times, argues that the pandemic still has a grip on American life, from our faith in public health institutions to the way consumers feel about the economy. On the show today, Wallace-Wells walks us through how Americans neglected to process the seismic impact of the pandemic in the rush to recover from it, and how it’s left us more self-interested and less empathetic. Plus, how this can help explain disgruntled consumers and a growing appetite for risk-taking in the economy.
Then, we’ll get into how responses to public health emergencies have shifted to the realm of the private sector. And, we’ll hear listeners’ reflections on the COVID-19 pandemic, five years on.