What Will Life After COVID Be Like

Many Americans don’t expect to rely on the digital services that became commonplace during the pandemic after COVID-19 subsides. According to a new poll, even though many think it’s a good thing if those options remain available in the future.Close to half or more of U.S. adults say they are not likely to attend virtual activities, receive virtual health care, have groceries delivered, or use curbside pickup after the coronavirus pandemic is over.Less than 3 in 10 say they’re very likely to use any of those options at least some of the time.Still, close to half also say it would be a good thing if virtual options for health care, community events and activities like fitness classes or religious services continue after the pandemic.Digital daily routines became the default in 2020 as the nation reacted to the rapidly spreading virus, which prompted lockdowns, closed schools and shuttered businesses. Some substitutions, like online shopping and video conference calling, already existed. Others were reimagined or became more popular during the pandemic.For many, though, the drawbacks outweigh the benefits of relying on digital services in the future. Adults age 50 or older are especially likely to say they are not planning to use the virtual options asked about on the poll going forward, even though many were introduced during the pandemic to protect the at-risk population.