Why are we afraid when other people are afraid?

The supermarket is empty. Or rather, the shelves with pasta sauce, pasta, rice, and toilet paper are empty. People are hoarding en masse and that is due to one thing: we are afraid.

The coronavirus is causing more and more victims and that makes us panicky. In our country, 10 people have already died from the coronavirus , the number of infections has risen to 804. How is it, from a psychological point of view, that we are collectively afraid? And especially: why is it that when others are hoarding, we also join in?

It can be explained from the ancient herd behavior, which in social psychology is also called ‘groupthink’. In the 1970s, American Irving Janis introduced his theory of group thinking: ’A way of thinking that occurs when the desire to maintain harmony in a group makes a realistic view with alternative thought processes impossible.‘ You want to join in because you don't want to be excluded. You don't want to be that one loser who has nothing at home. We do what others do because we think we might ’miss out‘ otherwise. You see everyone taking a pack of toilet paper in the supermarket. Then suddenly, when you're in line at the checkout, you think: hey, I might as well take a pack too. You never know. I don't want to be the only one without toilet paper. Factories are noticing it too: there is increasing demand for toilet paper at the moment. Fortunately, there is enough stock for all Dutch bottoms. And also regarding other products – food and drink – the supply is still going as it always does. All empty shelves will be filled again. So no worries.

But the hoarding behavior does make me worry. Look, I don't do it because I don't believe that supermarkets will suddenly close their doors. But because everyone is hoarding and thus many things are running out, I think: darn it, I really can't run out of diapers. So I also order some extra packs of diapers online. And some extra baby milk. Well. In this way, everyone actually follows the behavior of the herd to a certain extent. The mass hysteria is indeed right. Psychologists have known for years: as soon as there is stress, we more easily go along with the behavior of the group.

Trips are being canceled, the hospitality industry is taking a hit, no one is going out to eat anymore, sports matches have been canceled, colleges and universities are closed... On one hand, I think: everyone just calm down and don't worry so much. On the other hand, I think: I'm going to the supermarket now to stock up too. I am indeed worried about the coronavirus. Just watch me end up eating dry spaghetti for a month while my friends enjoy a nice tomato sauce and have a kitchen cupboard full of canned peas. And who still has paracetamol at home? Is that now worth as much as gold?

Phew, I don't know. The only thing I know for sure right now is that it's a crazy time. Take care and look after yourself.