Pretty much all available on the market, breathing protection masks, disinfectants, and any canned goods and noodles, and toilet paper:
In times of Corona, the concern of the population, especially by one thing noticeable: hamster purchases.
These go so far that certain products (with a long shelf-life) are no longer temporarily in the supermarkets easily.
Hamster purchases against the fear of Corona
Porridge for Breakfast or Pasta for dinner? Who has not in good time, must forego the next days, probably on it.
The Germans in comparison to the hoarders will trade in other countries even. In some supermarkets in the USA, Australia and Canada customers may take only a limited number of Toilet paper packs per purchase.
But why do many people react to the Corona-message with these panic purchases? Experts provide information.
1. Uncertainty triggers extreme reactions
“On the one hand, the reaction of the Hamsterns is understandable, on the other hand, it is exaggerated,” says Professor and clinical psychologist at the University of British Columbia Steven Taylor, told the news portal ‘CNN’.
“We can also prepare, without panicking.” However, the Coronavirus do many people fear because it is new and much is still unknown.
“When people hear conflicting messages about the associated risk, and how seriously you should prepare for it, they tend to the Extreme, to have access.”
Hamster purchases are, therefore, for many, the only logical reaction.
“When people say that something Dangerous is coming, but all you have to do is to wash your hands, does not seem the measure to be proportional to the threat,” he explains. “Special hazard requires special precautions.”
2. It security by the authorities is missing
“Several countries have already imposed mass quarantines. People who create large inventories, could prepare in your town on the same,” says the psychologist at the Institute for policy, Carnegie Mellon University, and Baruch Fischhoff.
According to the expert slopes for many people, too much uncertainty in the air.
“As long as there is no official promise that all will be taken care of, you must expect the people that they have to supply themselves,” he points out.
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3. Panic purchases generate more panic purchases
“Images of empty shelves and shopping carts full of supplies have flooded the news and social media. The people see this hamster purchases, and assume that there is a reason to panic,” explains Taylor.
The logical consequence for many: Self-inventories to create. “People are social beings. Look for Clues, what is safe and what is dangerous,” says the expert. “If you see someone in the Store in a panic, stocks of purchases, this can cause a fear of contagion effect.”
All of these photos of empty shelves can lead to people believe that they need to get canned food and toilet paper while you still can.
This perceived scarcity, then triggers an actual shortage of certain items in the super markets.
“First of all, Social Media is a big player in the fear of the novel Coronavirus,” explains Taylor. “Misinformation can spread easily and open platforms amplify voices and the Panic.”
4. It is natural to want to prepare
“As health authorities advise people to groups to stay at home and avoid contact with other people, it is natural to want to be in this Situation prepare,” explains the Professor at Temple University, Frank Farley.
The novel Coronavirus to generate a kind of survival-oriented behavior, according to the you stay as much as possible at home and, therefore, with the Necessary stock needed.
And toilet paper belongs in addition to plenty of food of course. The concern to find a specific product at some point in the Store, worry now that people found out early on that.
5. There is a sense of control
“People stock up on supplies, not to think about themselves and their families – about employees in the health sector, the Sick, and other citizens can no longer buy certain products,” says Taylor.
People were just scared of the Virus and would not think about the consequences of what happens when certain products, such as disinfectants, are available.
At the same time, this type of preparation will convey a sense of control in a seemingly helpless Situation.
“It gives you the feeling to have done everything they could. This knowledge is liberating and the people can once again think about things other than the Coronavirus.”
Cornelia Bertram
*The post “psychologist explains Why people tend to released to is hamster purchases” of FitForFun. Contact with the executives here.