Three things the Pandemic Taught Us About Social Behavior in Crisis

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about an unprecedented level of global stress, affecting nearly every aspect of daily life. As the world faced the threat of illness, economic uncertainty, and prolonged isolation, individuals' social behaviors and preferences were put to the test. Under such acute stress, people’s typical ways of interacting with others—whether through cooperation, empathy, or competition—began to shift in noticeable ways. This phenomenon has provided a unique lens through which to examine how stress alters social dynamics, with profound implications for understanding both individual and collective behavior during crises. So, what have we observed?