Make Me Smart cover image

Make Me Smart

Unpacking our collective COVID-19 trauma, five years on

Mar 12, 2025
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.
32:28

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • 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.

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