How to Keep COVID Fear at Bay

I hope you’re doing OK amidst the tough times that are unfolding. If you’re not, however, don’t worry. I get it. There are many restrictions in place, and business is not as usual.

But, if you’re the kind of person who is able to find the upsides to downsides quickly, I thought I’d appeal to you for help.

There are a whole lot of people feeling desperate right now. And they need you.

Despite that COVID-related fear has swept the globe, you—even as a body of one—can help others around you to remain calmer and more optimistic.

A University of Leeds study suggests that only 5% of a crowd of 200 or more people can influence its direction and that the other 95% will follow without thinking.*

Professor Jens Krause and student John Dyer conducted a series of experiments in which they instructed a group of people to walk randomly around a large hall. They asked participants to stay within arm’s length of each other and not to communicate in any way. However, they also planted a few individuals in the group with directions where to walk. Every time, participants blindly followed these “informed individuals.” Without consulting one another, the group organized itself into a winding, snake-like structure.

This behavior is known as herd mentality (also mob mentality, pack mentality or crowdthink).

Sometimes, herd mentality wreaks havoc, as in the 1992 LA riots or the 1996 Black Friday Tickle Me Elmo craze. Let’s add the 2020 toilet paper hoard to the list. But herd mentality can also generate goodwill, as in Pay It Forward initiatives and the Magh Mela religious festival in India.

Today, we urgently need goodwill.

As businesses are stalling, stocks are dropping, and COVID is spreading, there is great demand for “influencers” to stave off the consequences of panic. Certainly, there are grounds for concern. COVID is a serious health hazard. But David knocked Goliath out with a slingshot and a stone.

If you’re a “David,” then please stand up and stand out.

Infuse the mindsets around you with positivity. Surely, a well-directed, continual stream of encouragement, steadfastness and care will help boost morale and hopefully, restore order, health and wellness among us.

Do your thing, and spread the word….

*University of Leeds. Sheep In Human Clothing: Scientists Reveal Our Flock Mentality. (February 16, 2008). ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 25, 2020 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080214114517.htm