We are now in the midst of a disaster called COVID-19.Who could have imagined that society would change so much in a few months around New Year's Day this year? When we hear the word “disaster,” we tend to think of it as something that has nothing to do with us immediately, but in reality, it is something that is surprisingly familiar to us and we cannot live without it.
How does this pandemic look through the lens of disaster psychology?
Pandemics, like earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions, are one type of natural disaster and belong to the category of biological systems.
Human society has survived many pandemics, such as the plague in medieval Europe and the Spanish flu about 100 years ago.
But there is something very different about this pandemic.It means that we live in an internet society.The speed and breadth of information transmission is markedly different from past pandemics.And in the event of such a disaster, there are always rumors flying around.
Many of you may remember the sudden disappearance of toilet paper and tissue paper from supermarket shelves.This was a phenomenon caused by rumors that ``toilet paper and tissue paper cannot be imported from China and will be in short supply,'' and people who were intimidated by anxiety rushed to buy them.
Such rumors are said to occur in a way that makes up for the lack of information that people want to know due to disasters or speech restrictions.
Even though the supermarkets and the government immediately sent out corrective information saying that the stock was secured, this phenomenon did not subside.
Because rumors are collective interactions involving communicators, interpreters, skeptics, agitators, listeners, etc., it is difficult to put an end to false rumors.Behind it all lies an unfathomable fear of the unknown.
Various other rumors flew around.
In response to people's wishes for a way to detoxify this virus, I heard rumors such as "the polyphenols in black tea neutralize the infectivity" and "drinking hot water can prevent it". Aiming to divide society by giving people a target to direct their irritated anger at Rumors such as "the new corona is caused by bacteria made in China".
All of them are rumored to be true, and those who believe them will spread them with good intentions.
In this age of the Internet, we must be able to discern whether the overflowing information is fake or correct so that we do not become victims or perpetrators.What can I do about it?
Changing the subject a little, there is a person who is called an antique art dealer who deals in antiques.It looks like a mysterious world, such as a missing masterpiece popping out from among them.
They think that unless they are very discerning, they can't do business.Then, when purchasing antiques, how can we purchase good ones?It seems like a simple thing, but it all boils down to purchasing from people you can trust.
So is information.Be sure to check the source of the information to see who said what.
In addition, in a world of information overload, being repeatedly exposed to negative information for a long time causes great stress.Limit the time of day and how you get the information you need, and cherish your world, the time that is flowing apart from this disaster.
Take care of your mind by engaging in activities that you like, talking to people you like, watching things you like, and so on.
It's nice to feel the warmth and bonds of those who are working to overcome the pandemic.I feel relieved.
The next phase of the disaster/pandemic is the "post-pandemic period" (rapid recovery to the previous state).Overcome with hope.
