Does Fear of Contagion Make Us Intolerant and Compliant?

Behavioral scientists who studied fear of contagion have found that it makes us more inclined to punish 'the other.'

By: Tessa Lena

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

• “Behavioral immune system” is a set instincts and acquired habits that help us avoid pathogens in the wild

• Behavioral scientists and psychologists who studied fear of disease and contagion found that it makes us more inclined to punish those who don’t follow the official rules

• During COVID, our natural “sense of disgust” was…