I think anything that affects many people is going to have mixed positives and negatives. From the standpoint of an elderly man with limited knowledge, an aspect of American life in general that distorts US views of reality is general "push" and "gung-ho-ness". A high school or college football game, a street demonstration, the upcoming election - many issues and activities exemplify efforts to cheer, inspire, create enthusiasm. There is nothing wrong with cheer and enthusiasm but careful thinking is a good tool, also. It seems that nearly every aspect of life can be viewed as an opportunity to try harder, apply one's self more completely, etc.
Along comes a tiny virus and it causes trouble for people. We have physicians, specialists and scientists who know about such little things and they advise us that an infected human can transmit by breathing and uninfected humans can get infected by breathing. We can't give up breathing for 15 minutes, most of us can't give it up for 5 minutes. So, a natural solution is to stop congregating. Sports, theaters, restaurants, and most work places are natural congregating places. But we have computers, internet, digital banking, and phones and tablets that allow for all sorts of activities. We have delivery trucks and no-contact business conducted in many ways.
Suddenly, attendance is an option, not a requirement. True, we have social drives and we enjoy a beer in the company of friends. But covid has given us a pause. We have a moment to think about our typical routine critically and sometimes, we find we are in the mood to try something different. We do like seeing each other. We like having the chance to make a few comments in a side conversation while a speaker makes a presentation. But we have a chance, almost a requirement, to look at what we are doing and consider it carefully.
