There is a scientific and psychological explanation of why some people do not believe Coronavirus

Scientific studies say that people weigh immediate costs differently with those that come later. Although a healthy diet is important to future well-being, we are tempted toward a sweetness with lots of sugar. Although we do not need and may not be able to afford a new phone, we are still tempted to buy it.

Being healthy is a distant purpose, but the sweetness of a cake is an instant delight. You may have the new smartphone now, but its cost will only be shown in your credit card statement next month.

This theory can explain and two of the most irrational and disturbing aspects that have come from Covid-19: our inadequate preparations (such as state and community) for a pandemic, despite a series of indications that it would come and our continued efforts to restore normality, although clear historical evidence shows that by doing so, we simply extend more pandemic, making the situation continue to be abnormal for a longer time.

Our brain has another problem during pandemic. We have evolved to deal with “clear and present”. Evolution did not prepare us to face an unseen danger that sometimes manifests symptoms later and at other times does not show anyone.

Moreover, the effects of coronary infection are not absolute and do not spread equally throughout the population. In fact, statistics show that the actual probability of death is not too high, so we reject the impact that's not relevant to us this phenomenon, known as <x0). Lack of immediate symptoms and low probability (relatively) of death means that our brain does not take the threat seriously enough.

Beyond that, when it comes to issues of international importance, such as pandemics, we expect to rely on scientists and health authorities to tell us the facts, and on the government to provide proper guidance and assistance.

Without clear instructions from the government, many of us will be controlled by individual appetites for the immediate “bonus: the satisfaction of a holiday or social gathering, the sense of normality from an unmet nose and mouth. Thus, the possible consequences of later exposure are ignored.

Understanding how our brain functions can help us to be more effective in our efforts to fight the coronary and make more rational choices. All should focus more on the effects or long - term rewards of our conduct than on the effects or short - term pleasures of certain actions.

This analysis was carried out by Edward Wasserman, professor of psychological science and brain research at the University of Iowa and Thomas Zentall, professor of psychology at Kentucky University.

Source Layer: NBC News