Short Wave Why 500,000 COVID-19 Deaths May Not Feel Any Different
Feb 9, 2021
In this discussion, Paul Slovic, a research psychologist known for his expertise in risk perception, unpacks the phenomenon of psychic numbing. He reveals why stark statistics on COVID-19 deaths, like the shift from 400,000 to 500,000 fatalities, often fail to evoke empathy. Slovic emphasizes the power of emotional connections over numbers, explaining how powerful visuals can drive public response and the importance of individual actions in the face of overwhelming crises. Engaging anecdotes illustrate how emotions shape our decisions during the pandemic.
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Risk Perception
- Humans analyze risk through gut feelings, not just cost-benefit analysis.
- These feelings are poor at quantitative assessment and are biased by the singularity effect.
Feelings and Risk
- Our feelings can deceive us about risk, leading to ignoring serious threats like pandemics or genocide.
- These feelings often make us underestimate the importance of large-scale problems.
Overcoming Psychic Numbing
- Increase awareness of psychic numbing.
- Slow down thinking and consider the reality behind statistics.