Loneliness during the pandemic – social isolation increases the likelihood of selfish behaviour
A Spanish study had already shown that the willingness to donate had declined during the pandemic. The IWH study now examined whether social distancing could provide an explanation for this behavioural change. As the IWH study was carried out at the end of May 2021, during extensive easing in Magdeburg and the associated feeling of relief, the effects of social distancing appear to be continuing post-lockdown. However, the study also contains good news: “The subjects displayed more prosocial behaviour after we’d reminded them of the applicable norms,” says Jeworrek.
For the study, Sabrina Jeworrek and Joschka Waibel conducted two online experiments involving more than 500 students at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg. In both experiments, the subjects were randomly divided into two groups ‒ one that was consciously reminded of social distancing by means of specific questions about their personal experiences and feelings during lockdown, and a neutral control group. In both experiments, subjects were presented with the following situation: An individual and a charity each receive the same amount of money. The individual can make use of the charity’s funds or increase these by making a donation from their own pocket.
In the first experiment, the subjects had to judge the social appropriateness of the different options for dealing with this situation. “We didn’t observe any differences between the two groups. Evoking memories of social distancing apparently had no impact on the underlying norm that describes behaviour in such a situation as socially appropriate or inappropriate,” explains Sabrina Jeworrek. In the second experiment, new subjects assumed the role of the individual who received a sum of money and was also allowed to manage the charity’s budget. In this case, there were significant differences between the groups. The control group took a much smaller amount of money from the charity than the group with vivid memories of lockdown. “The results show that activating memories of social isolation leads to more selfish monetary allocation decisions. If, however, the subjects were also made aware of how subjects in another study behaved in a similar situation, the negative impact of social distancing could be reduced,” says Jeworrek.
The results show that activating memories of social isolation leads to more selfish monetary allocation decisions.
The study therefore also proves that it is important to highlight values and norms, especially now. Focusing on exemplary behaviour can be an important tool in alleviating the negative social consequences of the lockdown. The study also shows that digital media is apparently not an adequate substitute for close human contact. “Young people like our students, in particular, stayed in touch with family and friends using video calls or social media. Nevertheless, almost 80% experienced social isolation,” says Sabrina Jeworrek.
Publication
Sabrina Jeworrek, Joschka Waibel: Alone at Home: The Impact of Social Distancing on Norm-consistent Behavior. IWH Discussion Papers 8/2021.
Whom to contact
For Researchers
Vice Department Head
If you have any further questions please contact me.
+49 345 7753-730 Request per E-MailFor Journalists
Head of Public Relations
If you have any further questions please contact me.
+49 345 7753-720 Request per E-MailIWH list of experts
The IWH list of experts provides an overview of IWH research topics and the researchers and scientists in these areas. The relevant experts for the topics listed there can be reached for questions as usual through the IWH Press Office.
Related Publications
Alone at Home: The Impact of Social Distancing on Norm-consistent Behavior
in: IWH Discussion Papers, 8, 2021
Abstract
Around the globe, the COVID-19 pandemic has turned daily live upside down since social distancing is probably the most effective means of containing the virus until herd immunity is reached. Social norms have been shown to be an important determinant of social distancing behaviors. By conducting two experiments and using the priming method to manipulate social isolation recollections, we study whether social distancing has in turn affected norms of prosociality and norm compliance. The normative expectations of what behaviors others would approve or disapprove in our experimental setting did not change. Looking at actual behavior, however, we find that persistent social distancing indeed caused a decline in prosociality – even after the relaxation of social distancing rules and in times of optimism. At the same time, our results contain some good news since subjects seem still to care for norms and become more prosocial once again after we draw their attention to the empirical norm of how others have previously behaved in a similar situation.
