After making my constraint map, I actually had a better perspective on the situation we’re in through exploring how some of the constraints could be spun and looked at in a positive light, as room for opportunity. It was easy to identify the constraints that are affecting me personally, and through research online I found a lot of information (it’s the only thing anyone is talking about) on an abundance of constraints for our society as a whole. As I developed in my map, with the amount of time and lack of routine both myself and my classmates are feeling, it is easy to lose motivation to really do anything. Making this map inspired me that this should be looked at an as opportunity, and that there is never going to be another period where I might actually have this much time, so I should take advantage and think positively.
Something I highlighted within my map that really stood out to me positively is adaptation. Literally everyone has to adapt to the new environment and climate, and I have seen so many positive examples of this. The education systems adjusting to online everywhere, is incredibly remarkable. It opens new doors for the future of education, and the increased abilities to do different activities we didn’t even know were available online. Gyms in my area have had to close — but that’s not stopping them. They are adapting to online classes, and producing this content as a way to adjust to the climate right now. Although their businesses are suffering, they are still willing to produce this content just to help people try to keep somewhat of a normal routine, and this also plays into the increased sense of community online- which I also highlighted. Restaurants can’t have diners actually come in and eat, but many are adapting to this and offering online ordering and delivery. Individuals have to adapt their routines – or lack thereof right now – to what’s going on, and I’ve never heard of more of my friends out going on runs or walks to stay active. People are adjusting to the current constraints in place with the Coronavirus and although there are definitely many negatives, there are so many positives and it just goes to show how even through this crisis people are coming together more and working to find solutions.
Something else I explored a lot in my map is the media and information being provided right now. Throughout my research online, I have found almost nothing on positive reportings in the US on corona. This can have an incredibly affect mentally for many people, inducing panic and panic buying. Not only the amount of constant negative information, but also the uncertainty of how long this crisis is actually going to last. No one likes uncertainty, especially in a crisis. It is an extremely tough situation though, because the media is causing all this panic but if they weren’t taking it as seriously as they are, the public wouldn’t either. What is the happy medium here – is there one? I personally have seen that there are still teenagers acting as if they’re invincible and going about their regular lives of partying, even with the amount of constant negative and serious information. This is where I believe the government needs to step in and regulate things nationally, because some states have extreme rules and regulations right now that should be helping, and then some don’t at all and it’s worsening the issue. It’s frustrating for those of us who are practicing social distancing and self-quarantining that there are many who aren’t taking it seriously, and it’s only worsening the problem.
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