Research background: According to our theory, any need (imbalance) is excess of information, physical and chemical factors that arise in the course of life activities and cannot be eliminated by the body itself without the risk for the health. Satisfying the needs is a search of “channels” for establishing equivalence that is changed number of the mentioned factors for transforming their excess into strictly equivalent functional and structural changes in the organism. Globalization makes it faster. The indicator of that equivalence is established is decreasing of the stress level accompanied by positive emotions in the person. Purpose of the article: The meaning of economic activity is not the achievement of any economic indicators, but the receipt of positive emotions in producers and consumers. Both production and consumption can be “channels” of establishing equivalence. With the COVID-19 epidemic, the possibilities of establishing equivalence at an optimal pace are significantly reduced. Methods: The economic and social phenomena observed in society before and after the COVID-19 attack have been analyzed in terms of the basic concepts of functional equivalence theory. Findings and Value added: Globalization can help to find “channels” for establishing equivalence more quickly through increased opportunities for consumption and production. The limitations of COVID-19 have led to greater imbalances among the populations of many countries without the capacity to reduce them. Constant stress can lead to depression, suicides, antisocial behavior. Ways to prevent these phenomena have been suggested.