Há 5 dias atrás, um post publicado no conhecido site Retraction Watch, dava conta que o estudo realizado na Suécia, que concluiu que naquele país, as estudantes mais bonitas obtiveram notas mais baixas, depois que as aulas passaram a ser em regime on-line, durante a pandemia do Covid-19 (e que foi publicado aqui) foi absolvido das acusações de violação de regras éticas.
Sobre o tema supra, da aparência e da competência, recordo que no dia 24 de Dezembro de 2020, divulguei o facto do conhecido professor da universidade do Minho, Luís Aguiar-Conraria, ter escrito no Expresso, a propósito do desempenho profissional dos professores universitários que “é perfeitamente possível que os mais bonitos sejam melhores do que os mais feios” https://pacheco-torgal.blogspot.com/2020/12/expressoprofessoresas-universitariosas.html
No post scriptum desse post formulei uma hipótese, sobre a eventualidade do aparecimento de um novo vírus, que deixaria absolutamente irreconhecível a cara de todos os humanos neste Planeta e deixei também a seguinte questão, quais as consequências das pessoas terem de passar a relacionar-se sem ser através da sua cara ? Reproduzo abaixo a resposta do ChatGPT sobre as multiplas consequências dessa hipótese:
ChatGPT: The emergence of a highly contagious novel virus with the unique ability to rapidly mutate and distort people’s facial appearances would indeed have profound and far-reaching societal transformations. Let’s explore some potential impacts on various aspects of society:
1 – Social Dynamics and Interactions:
Increased Anonymity: With individuals compelled to conceal their faces, there would be a significant increase in anonymity. This could lead to both positive and negative outcomes. On the positive side, it might reduce judgments based on physical appearance and encourage people to focus on personalities and skills. On the negative side, increased anonymity may also facilitate undesirable behaviors such as online harassment and crime.
2 – Sexual Attraction and Relationships:
Shift in Beauty Standards: The distortion of facial appearances could lead to a redefinition of beauty standards. Physical attractiveness may become less prominent in determining attractiveness, fostering a shift towards more personality-based connections.
Emphasis on Emotional Connection: Without the ability to rely on facial cues, individuals might place greater importance on emotional connections, shared interests, and communication skills when forming relationships.
3 – Reduced Racism:
Focus on Common Humanity: With everyone forced to conceal their faces, there could be a reduction in racial profiling and discrimination based on facial features. People might be more inclined to focus on commonalities, fostering a sense of shared humanity.
4 – Psychological and Mental Health:
Impact on Self-Esteem: The constant need to conceal one’s face may have psychological impacts on individuals, potentially affecting self-esteem and mental health. Society may need to adapt by promoting body positivity and acceptance of diverse appearances.
5 – Legal and Ethical Considerations:
Privacy Concerns: The increased emphasis on concealing faces may raise privacy concerns, necessitating the development of legal frameworks to balance individual privacy rights with public safety concerns.
6- Economic Impacts:
Rise of Virtual Communication: As face-to-face interactions become limited, virtual communication tools and technologies would likely experience a surge in popularity. Remote work and online meetings may become the norm, impacting traditional office settings and work-related travel.
7 – Cultural and Artistic Changes:
Evolution of Fashion: The fashion industry would likely adapt to the new norm of face concealment, with a surge in demand for creative and expressive accessories such as masks, headwear, and eye-catching clothing. Fashion trends may shift to highlight other aspects of personal style.
Pacheco-Torgal 