While we have been talking so much about the economic effects of the pandemic there has been less focus on the damage the continued impact of the epidemic had on human behaviour.Though there has been little research on this crucial aspect on the society in India, the Time magazine came up with an interesting story on how undesirable behavioural changes influenced human conduct in the US. Lawyers were crowded by clients seeking legal remedies for the suffering they underwent due to unruly behaviour of their customers. Restaurants, airlines noted a significant rise in rude behaviour of their customers. The estimated amount of fines imposed on the people for such behaviour was to the tune of Rs 7 crore and 45 lakh this year. The crime rate also increased. The assumption that the easing of Corona related restrictions will reduce the impact the pandemic had on human behaviour and lead to greater camaraderie and cordiality in social intercourse proved wrong. Psychologists suggest that the long duration of confinement due to lockdown down led to poor social interaction and impaired interpersonal skills. Interpersonal skills are developed through and polished by continuous interaction that make humans cultured and humane. Sociologists attribute this to the process of socialisation that help humans acquire social skills. These are learnt attributes that are picked up with constant social stimulation. Since these are learnt they can be unlearnt, too due to disuse. The many restrictions, some necessary and some meaningless, added to the already growing frustration of the people who developed edginess, irritability and impatience. But this story of Time magazine cannot be a solely American phenomenon. It is a human phenomenon. The same behavioural changes were seen in other countries, too. The phenomenon was observed by the social scientists in Australia which was explained as an impact of sudden disruption of lifestyle that gave little time to adjust and adapt to new demands of social living, we now fashionably call the new normal. This can also be true of India. Those engaged in customer service may bear testimony to this kind of change in behaviour. Even though these behavioural changes will not be permanent, yet, they will take considerable time to be restored as the unlearning and relearning process is slow. Most painful has been the case of toddlers who completely missed the opportunity to get the all important social stimulation of the peer group at a very critical formative period of their lives and this may have a significant impact. Though the pandemic has been the most important factor in bringing about these behavioural changes, yet, according to many psychological researchers, the over assertive governance and huge online dependent lifestyle also played a vital role. From national to the organisational, the leadership at all levels did not empathise with the people reeling under the impact of pandemic. A more humane and reassuring approach was needed.As far as the Indian scenario is concerned we have rather neglected the issue of mental health. According to World Health Organisation, some eight percent of our population suffer from mental health issues. We need to take a more comprehensive and systemic approach towards psychological health in the post Covid era
Pathak is a professor of management, writer, and an acclaimed public speaker. He can be reached at ppathak.ism@gmail.com