Diarrhea is a very rare symptom of coronavirus infection. It is not clear why toilet paper has become the subject of mass purchases, ahead of products and household goods. Empty counters in countries that have introduced quarantine. Among residents of Russia, where the epidemiological situation is under control, sales grew by 40%. How psychologists explain the situation.
Toilet paper panic
This hygiene product does not belong to the goods necessary for survival in the conditions of the spread of coronavirus infection. In the states of Europe, Asia, the New World that have introduced quarantine, people are forbidden to go out. This led to a panic among the population. Not only food products, but also toilet paper disappeared from store shelves.
Psychologists attribute this to the influence of several factors:
- Chain reaction. When a person comes to the supermarket and sees that everyone is buying up toilet paper, this behavior becomes contagious. Social networks posting photos and videos of stores with empty shelves add panic.
- Philosophy of survival. A person who is forced to stay at home for a long time due to coronavirus makes stockpiles of everything he needs just in case.
- Maintaining control over the situation. If you have one at home, everything that helps quarantine survive will give you a feeling of calm. A man understands, has done everything necessary for his family..
- Lost profits syndrome. Everyone around is preparing for isolation due to coronavirus, which means you can not stay away. You need to buy paper, as neighbors or friends did..
External causes
Psychology experts highlight the impact on mass purchases of the following factors:
- Actions of the authorities. Residents of countries where coronavirus quarantine has not yet been introduced do not always know what to do, what to prepare for. Authorities do not always correctly convey information, which causes additional panic. People buy large quantities of household supplies, toilet paper, and food in the event of a quarantine or emergency.
- Mentality features. Residents of warm countries are used to using disposable paper towels to wipe their hands. Under quarantine, toilet paper, which has a lower cost, will replace them..
- Fear. People do not know how long the spread of infection will last, and what consequences the coronavirus has. In an emergency, they begin to make unreasonably large reserves.
Why has there been such a sudden and excessive surge in toilet paper purchases? What underlying reasons or factors have contributed to this widespread behavior? Is there a legitimate cause for concern or is it merely a result of panic-driven herd mentality?
The sudden surge in toilet paper purchases can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, rumors and misinformation spreading on social media about a shortage of toilet paper due to the COVID-19 pandemic created panic among consumers. Secondly, the media coverage of people stockpiling toilet paper fueled the fear of missing out, leading others to hoard as well. Additionally, the uncertainty and anxiety caused by the pandemic may have led people to seek a sense of control through excessive purchasing. While there is no legitimate cause for concern regarding a shortage of toilet paper, the behavior is primarily a result of panic-driven herd mentality. It is important for individuals to remain calm, buy only what they need, and consider the needs of others during this unprecedented time.
It seems that there is a sudden frenzy of people buying toilet paper in huge quantities. I’m really curious to understand why this is happening. Is there a specific reason behind this behavior? Are people genuinely concerned about a shortage or is it more of a panic-driven herd mentality? I would really appreciate some insights into this peculiar phenomenon.