News: Coronavirus may have long-term social behavior effects-22-04-2020
Updated On: 22-04-2020
New normal
As the pandemic becomes a bigger and bigger part of daily life, researchers are warning of changes in how we think, behave and relate to one another - some temporary but others potentially permanent - could be the new normal.
Patterns
This crisis may be unprecedented, but there are always patterns in how humans behave when thrust into long periods of isolation and danger.
Sarajevo
During a nearly four-year siege in Sarajevo, people’s sense of community, memory and even time all transformed. Now, survivors are already sensing echoes of that time in the slow-rolling pandemic, which is anticipated to last perhaps one to two years.
Science
Research hints at what the coming months may look like. Our ability to focus, to feel comfortable around others, even to think more than a few days into the future, may diminish.
Vaccine?
Until the virus is subdued either by a vaccine or by a global campaign of strategically coordinated lockdowns - estimated to take two years - daily life is likely to be defined by the coronavirus.
Public
Large gatherings are going to be rare. Many weddings, sporting events or concerts would be ruled out. And a full return to commuting by public transit will also be delayed. Malls, gyms, restaurants, bars and places of worship, the list is endless.
Psychological effects
Studies from the SARS, Ebola and swine flu outbreaks all recorded near-universal spikes in anxiety, depression and anger. But they also found behaviors focused on regaining a sense of autonomy and control increased as well: people reported working on their diet or hygiene, or reading more news.
Social life
The greatest psychological shift amid widespread crisis may be toward simple social tasks, like checking in on neighbors, caring for the needy, cooking for friends.
In the moment
Planning tends to become tentative and short-term. People cultivate moments of joy when danger recedes, knowing it might not last.
Deep scars
In past crises, researchers found, the deepest traumas surfaced only after they had ended. People may struggle to regulate their emotions, finding anger and panic come more easily. There could be upticks in insomnia and substance abuse.
