Lifestyle
COVID Scar Tissue: Exploring Life Post Pandemic
It’s the question every household fantasizes about these days: what will you do after COVID 19 is in the rearview? Friends are anxious to get reacquainted. Sports fans cannot wait to go to a baseball game. Some can’t wait to book a trip somewhere far away. It is fun to think of, for sure. But the more you think about that question, the more you must consider what life will truly be like on the other side of this pandemic.
Will there be sold-out concerts with thousands in attendance?
Will you want a big 4th of July party?
Experts say the ripples of COVID 19 will be felt long after the pandemic is over, suggesting that we will, in fact, be looking at a new normal.
The Great Depression was a defining moment in American history. Children born around this time would live to see America at its most prosperous. Like every other home on the block, their homes would eventually have televisions and microwaves – a car in every driveway. Traveling cross country and overseas was easier and cheaper than ever before. But still, they grew up knowing the value of a dollar. These children would grow up to be the grandparents who give ‘a shiny quarter’ to their eye-rolling grandkids. This was because they remembered a time when things weren’t so good.
In the same way, the COVID-19 pandemic will be the defining moment of this generation. Its effects still haven’t been fully realized, but they are seeping through our daily lives.
Did it feel strange to you when you last saw a large crowd in a movie or tv show?
Wave Goodbye to the Handshake
Many have surmised that the handshake should have gone out the door a long time ago. In a paper published in 2014, Dr. Mark Sklansky cites that the risks of spreading pathogens should supersede the urge to shake hands. His paper specifically dismantles the efficacy of handshaking between doctors and patients but speaks more broadly. “Hands are warm and wet, and we know they transmit disease very well,” says Sklansky. “They’re a phenomenal vector for disease.”
“I don’t think we should ever shake hands again, to be honest with you,” Dr. Anthony Fauci.
The world after COVID may be one without social touching. Hugs, high fives, and pats on the back could be met with a cringe, but this could lead to further effects. Why do people shake hands and touch people in the first place?
Like speaking, body connection is a form of language dating back thousands of years. It’s an evolutionary practice, even seen in other primates. “We know that nonhuman primates use social touch a lot through grooming,” says Juulia Suvilehto, a researcher at Linköping University in Sweden. “It’s a way of making allies and maintaining relationships.
Tiffany Field is the director of touch research at the University of Miami School of Medicine. She explains that touch also reduces aggression. “When you’re touching someone, it’s very hard to be aggressive towards them.” Field explains results from a study in which they separated monkeys between a wall of plexiglass. “If you separate two monkeys and they can see, hear, and smell each other, but they can’t touch each other, once you remove the plexiglass, they practically kill each other.” What does this mean for the future of human interaction? For one thing, that awkward moment when you shake someone’s hand who offers a fist bump may be replaced by someone not knowing how to refuse a handshake politely.
More Prepared… Maybe
Software engineer turned philanthropist Bill Gates has been heavily involved in the COVID conversation. He suggests that our society will be more prepared for the next big disaster coming down the pike. “We’ll have practiced,” Gates said on the first episode of his new podcast, Bill Gates and Rashida Jones Ask Big Questions. “We’ll have done disease games like war games, and almost every country will respond like South Korea, or Australia did where you’re very quickly testing people and quarantining people. And our tools will be much better.” Much like the grandmother who saves her quarters, we’ll be ready if something similar comes back. But there’s another side to that quarter.
Katherine Hirschfeld, a medical anthropologist at the University of Oklahoma isn’t so optimistic. According to Hirschfeld, an increase in misinformation could lead to further political divide and future outbreaks. We will likely see “increased political division and economic inequality in the United States and elsewhere, with the basic science of epidemiology and public health attacked and undermined by conspiracy theories spread on social media,” she explains. “If this sounds unusually grim, it may be due to my years of research exploring post-Soviet conflicts, when many multicultural countries fell apart in warring factions that triggered epidemics of easily preventable diseases.” Grim indeed.
It’s Not All Bad
Society has taken measures to adapt during COVID that may have some positive lasting results. More businesses than ever are benefiting from a work-from-home model. A Gartner survey reported that 80% of the company leaders they polled plan to allow their employees to continue to work at least part-time remotely. Why? Because it’s good for business. According to Global Workplace Analytics, 94% of surveyed employers report has been the same or higher since allowing remote work.
The effects ripple on. With more remote work comes fewer cars on the road. Fewer cars mean less traffic and fewer carbon emissions. According to nature.com, after rising for decades, global carbon dioxide emissions dropped 6.4% during the pandemic. The United States wins the award for most improved with a 13% decrease. The average American household has 1.88 vehicles as of last year. Could a world without everyone commuting to work mean less of a need for multi-car homes?
Bill Gates is thinking even bigger. If companies aren’t making their employees come into the office, it won’t matter where they are headquartered. The draw of the big cities will have less of a pull. Employees won’t feel the need to stay close. “In the cities that are very successful… even for a person who’s well paid, they’re spending an insane amount of their money on rent.” This could be no more.
Education Made Accessible
Among the employees working from home, teachers are also finding their footing in a changing landscape. And so are the students. The COVID lockdowns have been inconsistent and seemingly unpredictable in the last year. A student in Virginia had a very different go of it than a student in California. Schools across the country have endured some combination of class cancellations, remote learning, and learning on-premise. But while the education system has struggled to get its footing, some are seeing the silver lining.
Anna Mueller, a sociologist at Indiana University Bloomington, speaks about the upside. “The pandemic has shown us how online teaching can be a tool that makes the classroom more accessible, particularly for students with disabilities. In the past, I’ve had students who sometimes struggled to attend class because they were coping with anxiety or living with significant pain. They needed my empathy and flexibility with class attendance but still missed the classroom experience. I now realize how easy it is to turn on a camera and pop on a microphone so they can join from the comfort of their homes.”
Mario Luis Small is a sociologist at Harvard. He suggests that secondary education may be in store for a radical makeover. “COVID-19 has shown that a lot, though by no means all, of higher instruction can happen online. Parents and students will likely ask how much of the on-campus experience is truly needed and demand alternatives.”
A New Kind of Sport
In the months after the pandemic has dissipated, there will no doubt a surge in attendance at concerts in sporting events. Those who associate summer days with hot dogs and baseball and cold Sundays with tailgating a football game are anxious to spend too much money on a beer at a game. But while these traditional sports are awaiting a resurgence, another kind of sport has been getting bigger and bigger.
Esports have boomed during the pandemic. Video gaming enthusiasts have gathered online to watch the pros play video games like Call of Duty, Overwatch, Minecraft, and thousands of more games. Viewership skyrocketed during the pandemic. StreamHatchet reports a jump in esports from 4.8 billion hours viewed in the first quarter of 2020 to 7.6 billion. Philadelphia is currently building a $50 million esports arena right next to all of their other major sports venues. It seems esports are here to stay.
Turning the Page
While everyone is excited for this chapter of society to be over, no one truly knows what to expect. What will vacations be like? What about birthday parties? Things may never truly be the same. But while some muscles may atrophy, others will strengthen. Will we see a bigger emphasis on family life as we all spend more time at home? Maybe the creativity world gets a spark as more people rely on their own faculties to entertain themselves. As the saying goes, only time will tell.
It has been years since we experienced the bizarre that was the pandemic, and yet, shady schemes still abound in the form of MLM (multilevel marketing) related to it. If you’ve ever heard or seen Magic Dirt, you’re not alone in wondering what it is all about.
While we’re now in the era of AI breakthroughs, space tourism, and wearable brain tech, some people still seem to be stuck in the horrid past. Sellers are peddling literal dirt as a miracle health product. Promoted mainly by anti-vax influencers and conspiracy circles, this dirt they call “wellness solution” was sold with pseudoscience, fear tactics, and a generous dose of misinformation.
And yes, it was an MLM. Because of course it was.
Here’s the breakdown of the Magic Dirt controversy—just one of many reasons why multi-level marketing schemes continue to be a red flag for anyone with a functioning sense of skepticism.
Planting The Seeds
It all began in May of 2021 when we were finally getting into the rhythm of our “new normal.” Of course, health was a significant topic of discussion in the media. It’s no surprise that many alternative medicines are gaining popularity on social media. It was during this month that a peculiar brand emerged on the scene. Depictions began circulating with smiling women slathering black mud on their faces, drinking jars of black liquid, and placing their babies’ feet in a tub of black water.
In the captions, they listed the numerous benefits of using this new “magic dirt.” And of course, the benefits varied from person to person. You might read one post that credits the dirt with curing her child’s low energy and constipation. Then you might scroll on to read another post claiming that it rejuvenates the skin while calming anxiety.
One thing these posts had in common was that they contained the hashtag #BOO while providing a shoutout to the company Black Oxygen Organics.
So, what does Black Oxgen Organics have to say about their “magic dirt”? As a brand, they described their product as,
“the end product and smallest particle of the decomposition of ancient, organic matter.”
Yeah, it’s purposely vague. In short, Magic Dirt is supposed to be a form of fulvic acid. This is a compound derived from the decayed plants of an Ontario peat bog. Sounds super rejuvenating, right?
To be fair, fulvic acid is shown to help with allergies and gastrointestinal function. But as with your average MLM, Black Magic Organics has exaggerated these benefits to the tenth power. They’ve taken these benefits and used them to sell 4.5 ounces of literal dirt, sealed in a fancy black bag and stamped with a $110 price tag. And if that didn’t feel like a slap in the face already, this stuff didn’t even come with free shipping!
Magic Dirt is claimed to be safe for anyone of any age. This includes your children and your pets. It’s been said to help heart health, brain function, and pretty much every common health problem in the world.
Of course, with it being 2021 and all, it started getting sent around to anti-vax and COVID-sceptical groups. Instead of seeking treatment for a deadly virus, people were mixing mud into their smoothies and calling it a day.
The Immediate Downfall
As Instagrammers and TikTokers promoted this “cure-all” product, an alarming number of women were eager to become direct sellers. For many, this company was their first introduction to the notorious Multi-Level-Marketing schemes.
That is, until the professionals got involved. You see, Magic Dirt was not at all FDA approved. And when health regulators from the U.S. and Canada became aware of its popularity, they conducted an investigation. They called for multiple product holds at the border, which in turn gave rise to an army of online skeptics.
And in typical MLM fashion, Black Oxygen Organics took their money and ran for the hills. Only about six months after its initial success, the company announced that it was officially shutting down. This sparked a significant backlash from online sellers. They grieved the end of miracle supplements, while also petitioning to recover the thousands they had invested in direct selling.
Unfortunately, most victims of these schemes will likely never recover their money.
The fact of the matter is that Black Oxygen Organics and similar companies are based on a scam. Period. That’s what everyone needs to remember, so they can avoid making the same mistakes as so many others. Always be vigilant for predatory companies.
Have you ever stumbled upon an MLM online community? If your answer is no, you’re lucky. But if you did, you’d know that they can be a breeding ground for toxicity. Fortunately for some, a new wave of anti-MLM communities has emerged and is giving the much-needed breath of fresh air.
These communities include people who use their platforms to warn us about these dangerous schemes. They also provide a support system for those who are still enmeshed in it and trying to find a way out.
If you’re one of the unlucky ones trying to escape or are just curious, check out these four anti-MLM communities that are saving people from scams.
r/antiMLM
I just love Reddit. It provides a window into just about any subculture, no matter how obscure, and connects you with like-minded people from around the globe. It’s honestly the easiest place to find communities with shared interests.
r/antiMLM is just one of the many communities Reddit has to offer. People will post discussions, pictures, and screenshots showcasing the horror of MLMs. The content ranges from lighthearted and funny, to downright sad. Either way, everyone here has the same idea: MLMs are harmful and predatory. Should anyone come across this subreddit, they’ll be way less likely to fall for a pyramid scheme. And by subscribing to said subreddit, they are nearly eliminating all possibilities of going anywhere near an MLM. Subscribers of r/antiMLM are familiar with popular MLM companies, their tactics, and the red flags within the direct marketing industry. They are quicker to identify this type of scam.
The Anti-MLM Coalition
This website is an absolute GODSEND. The Anti-MLM Coalition is an incredible organization filled with educational materials and various resources. You can tell from the homepage alone that they mean business.
The menu bar provides 8 main website pages. The “Homepage “is filled with their latest articles and a search bar to navigate. “MLM Master List” is exactly what it sounds like: a list of all the known MLM companies in existence. The “MLM or Not?” page brings users to a long article detailing how to spot your typical pyramid scheme.
“Get Help” is a page filled with helpful information. It’s for people who have a loved one trapped in an MLM, or people who wanna take action against these companies. Each link leads to a detailed article on the subject.
The “Resources” page is a shoutout to various authors, YouTubers, and documentaries. It helps anyone who’s trying to do further research. They have a page dedicated to a very shareable infographic; a great tactic to spread the word around fast.
The “Activism” page provides a guideline on where and how to take action. They recommend printing cards, reporting, and exposing MLM corporations on social media. The more buzz, the better.
And of course, they have a “Contact” page in case you need to get in touch.
MLM Lies Exposed
Looking for more places to discuss your anti-MLM sentiments? Or just looking for general help without the hassle? Well, here’s the biggest anti-MLM Facebook group. MLM Lies Exposed is an invite-only community with over 30,000 members. It’s a lot like r/antiMLM, in that you can post things involving the false promises and skeevy behavior behind MLMs. I’d recommend this page to anyone who’s more familiar with Facebook or finds it easier to navigate than Reddit.
Anti- MLM Youtube
Now, hear me out. This is not an official community, but if you’re a regular on YouTube, you’ll know that there are different genres of videos. And each of these genres has garnered its own distinct communities.
They’re kinda like cliques. You’ve got gamer bro YouTubers at one table, and you’ve got beauty influencers at another table. You’ve got commentary YouTubers sitting somewhere near the true crime YouTubers and the podcast channels. Somewhere in the corner, you’ve got the anti-MLM spaces. These YouTubers dedicate their channels to spreading awareness about MLMs and other shady corporate behavior.
Popular YouTube channels include Hannah Alonzo, iilluminaughtii, NOT THE GOOD GIRL, and Kiki Chanel
MLM companies often pretend to be a revolutionary force changing the world and their own lives. In truth, they’re just making their distributors continue a cycle of unhappiness and financial ruin. These are the communities that help people who’ve been duped by these false hopes to move on with their lives.
Have you wondered if buying an electric scooter for short rides is a worthwhile investment? As more people and communities turn to alternative transportation, the shift is often driven by a desire to reduce their carbon footprints and enjoy added convenience. This growing trend has many asking the question, “should I buy an electric scooter?” From electric bikes to unicycles, there’s a lot you can learn and gain when choosing an e-scooter for your daily commute.
Learning to ride a scooter is easy
To learn how to ride your electric scooter is surprisingly easy. The learning curve is so low you can start cruising down the road in a short time. The Gotrax GXL V2 e-scooter is a good choice for beginners. It is affordable at just around $349 and can get you to work and back in a single charge. If you’re wondering whether you should buy an electric scooter, this model is a great place to start.
Once you finish the easy assembly and four-hour charging, you can already use it. It has the usual handbrake and bell on the left side. On the right sits a thumb throttle which you simply turn to gain speed and keep your balance.
You should lower your speed when stopping. This is because the higher your speed is when braking will result in the tires wearing out quickly. You will then need maintenance which can be expensive.
Turing is easy, but you need to do it with care. With both hands on the handlebars, signaling may not be possible. This is why many high-end e-scooters have features with light-up signals for this purpose.
Get additional but helpful features
Some considerations include features such as the signal lights mentioned above, suspensions, thicker tires, or more powerful motors. These will help you navigate bumpy roads, steep inclines, and uneven terrain.
When buying e-scooters, you should also consider the battery, waterproofing of the scooter, or portability. These are investments that can make your rides safer and more comfortable.
Consider your city’s laws
Before buying that electric scooter, check out your town or city’s laws about speed limits or the use of these EVs in general. Most budget-friendly scooters can travel up to25 km/h, but it’s still a good idea to know what your limitations are to prevent problems with the law.
Nighttime riding can also be a cause for concern if you plan on doing much of it. You may have to invest in headlights and reflectors to safely enjoy riding at night. You can also get helmets that already have lights and reflectors on them.
An electric scooter is faster and fun
Not only will you see huge savings on gas, but you’ll also be enjoying your rides with an electric scooter. These may be the two main reasons the EV craze has hit many towns and cities. The feel of the wind on your whole body while on it gives an exhilarating feeling that driving a car won’t ever duplicate.
Getting out of traffic quickly and efficiently is also a perk of having to ride an e-scooter. If you don’t have a lot to carry, an e-scooter is the best mode of transportation for short rides. However, you can also opt for a bag attachment that will allow you to bring a few items and small cargo when riding.
You’ll be addicted to it
Be warned: casual riding in your electric scooter can be addicting and leave you wanting more. This may be the exact reason add-ons are popular, while upgrading to higher-end models seems to be the norm for some people. After a few rides, you would see yourself wanting to get a particular feature and opting for more power and speed. So, as an answer to the question, should I buy an electric scooter? You should say yes!
Top 10 Free and Paid eCommerce Tools for 2025
What’s the Best Website to Get a Graphic Designer in 2025?
What’s the Best Subscription Creative Service Agency in 2025?
Top 10 Public Relations Tools Every Entrepreneur Should Check Out
What the Hell Was Magic Dirt? The Black Oxygen Organics Hoax
Unlimited Graphic Design Companies Of 2025 + Promo Codes (Updated)
What’s the Best Creative Design Company for you?
Unlimited Graphic Design Companies Of 2025 + Promo Codes (Updated)
Top 10 Pet Tech Products That Redefine How We Care for Pets
What the Hell Was Magic Dirt? The Black Oxygen Organics Hoax
Top 10 Free and Paid eCommerce Tools for 2025
Top 10 Public Relations Tools Every Entrepreneur Should Check Out
Top 10 Shipping Software Options for Businesses
