When the Covid-19 pandemic struck the world, it forced the population to change their way of life to prevent the spread of the virus. Now that it’s considered an endemic in most countries, the changes have become new norms that we have acquired and adapted to during the pandemic.
One of the new norms is scanning the QR codes to place your order at a restaurant.
This was done to prevent the possible spread of the virus by touching the physical menu, but not many people are a fan of this norm. Recently, a Malaysian, M Fitri M Shukri shared his take on this new norm on his Facebook post.
“Not every digitalisation is welcomed”
Like it or not, we simply cannot deny that we’re currently living in the modernised and digitalised world, where A LOT of things can be done with a few clicks and swipes on your smartphones. However, Fitri made it clear that scanning the QR code to make an order is not the new norm that he’s enjoying.
“Printed menu is faster, more convenient and it creates a more meaningful interaction between the patrons and waiter,” he explained.
Fitri then said that the feeling of flipping through the pages of the physical menu is far better than scrolling the digital menu on your phone with your finger. He added that the customers visit the restaurant personally simply because they do not want to order their meals online, as well as scan QR codes.
“I still cannot fathom this trend of scanning QR code for digital menu at restaurants,” he expressed.
Fitri’s post has garnered much attention online, with netizens sharing their take on the new norm at the restaurants. Some shared the same thoughts with Fitri, as the digital menu has “eradicated” the needed conversation between the guests and the waiter, not to mention the (sometimes) unavailability of an internet connection.
“They don’t even show how to place an order. The staff ignores us sometimes. We’re already hungry and it complicates things even further. Scanning the QR code for the menu is troublesome!”
“Scanning the QR codes with a slow internet connection is a stressful combo. I became full immediately.”
QR code is life
In the meantime, other netizens find themselves in disagreement with what Fitri thinks about the new norm. Some of them highlighted how it eases the process of ordering food, as well as the presence of images of the food for illustration purposes.
“Large group tends to take longer time to order. With QR, we can have our own sweet time scrolling the menu and deciding.”
Another netizen took the opportunity to explain in detailed manner about how technology has eased our life.
“I’m fine with the digital menu. Choose and make a cashless payment. Simple. No need for the waiter to wait for us. Easier for the children to choose what they want, thanks to the presence of the pictures.”
Fellow Malaysians, are you a fan of this new norm? Do you think we should revert to the pre-pandemic days of the physical menu, or shall we embrace the era of technology?
