Singaporeans have always prided themselves on being a small but efficient country, filled with smart people.
Yet with the recent Covid-19 outbreak, we’ve been engaging in plenty of behaviour that’s definitely “not smart”.
Like, for example, forwarding WhatsApp messages, even if they’re fake news.
Panic-buying at supermarkets despite just laughing at Hong Kongers’ panic-buying.
Or buying masks at ten times (minimum) their original prices.
So why is this happening?
Singapore Psychological Society (SPS) released a Facebook post explaining the phenomenon.
Why People React The Way They Do
According to their post, people’s brains are hardwired to react in a certain way whenever we see someone getting harmed or witness an emergency situation happening.
When under stress and anxiety, the thinking part of our brains stop working, hijacked by the emotional system.
This results in panicking or groupthink behaviour, leading to a flight-or-fight response.
And the response is, in turn, driven by our instinctive need for self-preservation, protection, and safety.
When the Covid-19 virus outbreak happened, we activate this instinctive need and focus on the virus’s dangers.
Good For You, Bad For Society
Now, you’re thinking: if it’s good for you, isn’t it even better for society?
That might be true in the primitive ages where people are more individualistic but in today’s world where everyone and their doggo is more connected than ever?
It’s going to be chaotic.
With panic buying, people who are truly sick and in need of resources are prevented from doing so by hoarders.
And as people are now afraid to go out of their homes, businesses struggle, retail outlets go under and more jobs are lost.
Plus, engaging in such behaviour, instead of pacifying anxiety, only serves to make it worse.
Possible To Overcome
Now, with words like “primal instincts” and “hardwire”, you’re thinking, so it’s impossible to change lah?
Research has shown that people are also able to react in ways that are good for society.
And we don’t even have to refer to dusty theoretical papers.
The recent phenomenon of people making and offering free hand sanitisers to people in the community is one such example.
Seven Simple Steps To Control Irrational Behaviour
SPS has highlighted seven simple steps to start taking control of your own behaviour amidst the Covid-19 outbreak.
1. Acknowledge our commonality in this crisis
Everyone is afraid, and it isn’t just you. Name the fear and observe your responses. That’s the first step to overcoming it.
2. Respect Others
Covid-19 is probably the hottest topic to discuss around the dinner table or when you’re with your friends. However, if anyone (including you) is uncomfortable with the topic, simply voice out. And you should stop if someone is uncomfortable with the topic of choice.
3. Be Socially Responsible
You stockpile because you’re worried. And when you stockpile, you become even more worried and anxious. Buy only what you need so that people who truly need the items can get them too.
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4. Expand Infotainment
With the Covid-19 situation in Singapore, most, if not all, media outlets would be talking about it.
It’s good if you follow Goody Feed’s articles because we always strive to give you the most updated and accurate information. But what’s even better is to bookmark MOH’s website where they give daily updates on the coronavirus situation too.
5. Don’t Blame
Think about how your words can influence and greatly increase tension within society.
Instead of blaming people (like nurses who bring uniforms onto buses and Chinese nationals), understand their choices and perspective.
For one, it’ll make Singapore (and the internet) a better place to live in. And two, it’ll let you live a happier life too.
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6. Fact-Check
If you still haven’t gotten the memo, fake news is something serious and could cause damage in real life to people.
Always verify that the information you received is legit before forwarding it on to others.
7. Seek Help
If your fear is overwhelming, don’t bottle it up inside. Look for professional help. Not sure where to go, SPS has a list of registered psychologists who can help you through this trying period.
