Freelancers predicted to become the U.S. workforce majority within a decade, with nearly 50% of millennial workers already freelancing, annual “Freelancing in America” study finds.
Our need for community is a psychological one. According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, feelings of belonging, and love are critical to motivating human behavior. Constant loneliness can cause a host of physical and mental conditions including depression, insomnia, and impaired immune and cardiovascular functioning.
(Source: GUILD)
PROBLEM
This work mode develops the feel of instability. Freelancers don’t have stable monthly salaries.
Freelancers also get isolated in society. They do not have a sense of belonging to a particular group. They need a new way to build social connections, rather than just be called to get on board for finishing a project.
They need ways to gain a sense of accomplishment while working on projects and a more efficient way to present their talents to potential clients, rather than waiting for being picked.
CURRENT SOLUTION
There are some platforms/products out there for people to look for freelance jobs, and it’s still hard for people to find jobs and gain a stable income. I have not found much about freelance platforms in other professional fields.
2. Media Consumption & Mental Health
As the coronavirus outbreak continues to wreak havoc across the globe, people’s time that would have otherwise been spent perusing malls or going to live events is now being spent on the sofa.
PROBLEM
A. Information
Trust in information shared on social media is higher than word of mouth from friends and family, and even foreign government websites. That said, it is lower than the information shared on the radio or news websites.
While staying abreast of pandemic updates is important, ultimately, a positive mindset and the ability to switch off will help people cope better day-to-day.
Understandably, people are becoming increasingly worried about how much time they are dedicating to their screens. However, research suggests that screen time itself is no cause for concern. Rather, it’s the content we choose to consume that could have a significant impact on our psychological well-being.
(Source: VisualCapitalist)
B. The Screen Effect
Computer vision syndrome is a catchall term for a number of problems that stem from too much time in front of a screen. If you spend hours a day staring at tiny pixels, your eyes strain from the effort, which can lead to headaches, blurry vision, dry eyes, and neck and shoulder pain.
(Source: ClassicVisionC)
CURRENT SOLUTION
Build other habits!
I find it’s interesting to read about the shortage of Mason Jars caused by the increasing number of people cooking at home, following the recipes online.
(Source:CNN)
