Unscientific Survey: Back to Normal?

We are in this for the long haul. That, at least, is the general opinion of Swarthmorean readers. In Unscientific Survey No. 6, we asked how long you thought it would take before things returned to relative normal. Among those who responded, 73% thought it would take at least a year, and almost half of that group predicted 18 months or more.

And you took that word “relative” to heart. When asked what life would be like after the selected gap, respondents predicted it would be worse than before, by a 58-42% margin. But, personally, I am going to keep my attention focused on the 21% who predicted things would actually be better, due to the lessons learned. After all, much of our experience of the world is determined by our and others’ attitudes, and if there was ever a time for positive thinking, it’s now.

Question #1

In the last six weeks or so, the virus has turned life upside down. Roughly how long do you think it will be before life is relatively — emphasis on relatively — back to normal?

Question #2

And when we get to that point, what’s your assessment of the way life in general will be in the United States?

Our next survey is also about state of mind, but on a more personal level. Please tell us how you’re doing.

And by the way, if you’re definitely not doing okay, you can find a list of phone numbers and other resources that can help you out on our website.

Ben Yagoda is the Swarthmorean’s survey editor.