It’s an understatement that 2020 was full of many unexpected turns. Some things may even carry into 2021. However, I think it’s time to take a break from serious politics and the pandemic and think about some more lighthearted possibilities for 2021.

1. Youtube and Instagram will begin to die out

In 2019, TikTok quickly became more popular and started outcompeting Youtube and other social media platforms. The app not only offers users to consume lots of content at a fast pace but also has a strong algorithm that keeps people hooked. Youtube has been prevalent for years, but its style of long videos may be too slow compared to TikTok. Instagram, on the other hand, is known for being the place to post highlights of one’s life. However, as audiences prefer to see more real and authentic content, TikTok is a better place to go. 

2. The virus will ease up around July

Now that a vaccine has been developed, it is safe to say that we might be heading towards the end of the pandemic. Of course, we don’t want to jinx anything, but once more people start getting the vaccine, we may start returning back to normal. Masks will still be prevalent for a while, but various places may start to open up in the summer. Christopher Yach (11) adds that “we will probably stay online for the rest of the school year, but I think everything will probably clear up over the summer.”

3. More celebrities will break up

Quarantine has allowed everyone to stay home and spend more time with their friends and family more. But after the pandemic ends, celebrities will begin to get busier as concerts will start again, more movies will be filmed, and life goes back to normal. This busyness will cause more conflicts between people and lead to more breakups. While this is not what we want to see, it may be inevitable.

4. Biden’s presidency will be humdrum

Politics in 2020 were – for a lack of better words – crazy. Regardless of what side I support, the new administration may be more mundane and relatively careful not to upset too many people. Although there will not be very many big changes, the aftermath of 2020 may still stir up some controversy.

5. People will continue to work from home

As the virus caused many people to move work and school to an online setting from the comfort of their home, many noticed the benefits of online work – staying in comfortable clothes, no more commuting, it’s less expensive, and less time is being wasted. Once the pandemic is over, people might have gotten used to this format and companies will keep some workers at home.

6. We won’t be glued to our phones

Before and during the virus, technology has been a large part of everyone’s lives. However, since so many people are sick of quarantine and watching movies all day is getting old, people might want to start going out more and stop using technology as often. I think people will have more appreciation for the world around them.

2020 was a mess. 2021 may not be great either. But once in a while, we need to think about possibilities that aren’t so mentally draining. The new year will be full of both good and bad surprises, but the least we can do is to give it a chance and make a few random predictions.