When we read about the new normal or the post-pandemic reality, normally we see a consensus about more remote work or speeding up digitalization. That makes total sense; at the same time, though, there is a problem: that makes sense because it requires little of our imagination. More remote work and digital processes are just more of the known trends; in contrast, we could think more like a science fiction author to see further on the horizon. In other words, let’s consciously exaggerate and imagine some other developments :

• 100% automation plus minimum income. Human bodies can contract viruses; human brains can contract memes and fake news. For all that, let’s the machines do the physical work and the calculus; as long as the high productivity achieved by this sustains the basic income for us.
• Full virtual and augmented reality. Depending on moving your body through contagious places in an attempt to have good experiences, it’s, all in all, an obsolete idea. Give me the beautiful Italy in my bedroom.
• Uploading our minds in non-organic supports. From bat, cows, birds, viruses find a home in our poor cells. Until now: why don’t we get rid of this mortal organic platform? We are never happy with the look of it in the first place! Perhaps, with our artificial bodies, we could meet in real Italy for once.

This fictional world could seem strange and cold, but so are the viruses. To summarize, they don’t mind about what we think. On the other hand, until they caught us all, we are free to conceive some outrageous solutions.

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