Coronavirus, Perception, Reality and Frenzied Shopping In the United States: A Story of Fear and An
The differences between perception and reality. The coronavirus pandemic is creating the perception that there are food and paper products shortages. This is not reality.
It is said that perception is everything. Is it?
“There is no truth. There is only perception.” Gustave Flaubert
There was a time when I was growing up during the fifties and sixties when America was plentiful in natural resources, food, and power. That began to change with the oil boycott set up by OPEC towards the end of the seventies. Nevertheless, Americans still believed that America was a land of plenty.
The coronavirus outbreak created a new perception and argument that resources are limited. People believe they must go out and stock up on everything from toilet paper to food. Some people are purchasing handguns. They fear others will break into their houses to steal their supplies.
However, is there a difference between perception and reality?
According to Jim Taylor, a Clinical Psychologist who wrote a Psychology Today article:
Perception Is Not Reality “Just because you think something is reality doesn't make it a reality” (August 5, 2019)
The difference between perception and reality
Here is the dictionary definition of perception:
“The way of regarding, understanding, or interpreting something; a mental impression.”
And here is the dictionary definition of reality:
“The world or the state of things as they exist… existence that is absolute, self-sufficient, or objective, and not subject to human decisions or conventions.”
Dr. Taylor states, without hesitation, that “perception is NOT reality.”
Americans have deceived themselves into believing that they are on the verge of disaster or, as President Trump, unfortunately, states it, we are confronting a new “enemy.” He says, “We’re at war.”
All of this is a variation on the old story that you better not yell fire in a crowded movie theatre. A yell like that will cause everyone to run for the exits. If that happens, they will trample each other to death. In that scenario, no one bothers to see if the shout has any truth.
Similarly, there is the famous, though old, story of Orson Welles on a popular radio broadcast during the 1938 drama called War of the Worlds. In the broadcast, there is an invasion of aliens from Mars. All over the nation, people panicked until they were told it was just science fiction.
To return to the main point, Americans have to begin distinguishing the difference between their perceptions that there are food shortages. The reality is that food is plentiful. Even toilet paper is plentiful. There is no need to panic. People need to return to their past patterns of shopping. Our leaders are telling everyone to practice distancing and staying indoors to prevent the virus from spreading further. They need to add that we must stop all the frenzied shopping.
While we have shortages in some important areas of medical treatment and prevention, such as surgical masks and respirators, there are no shortages in food, hand sanitiser, clothes, or almost anything else.
People are experiencing a lot of anxiety and fear of this virus. This is exacerbated by the need to stay home.
There are ways to reduce these stressful feelings
- Mindful meditation
- Writing a journal of thoughts and feelings
- Going out for long walks
- Reading
- Watching television shows about everything except the coronavirus
- Seek therapy
What does science say?
Understanding Perception and Reality:
Philosophers
have long discussed how our senses help us understand the world. They point out that what we see, hear, or feel doesn’t always give us the complete picture of reality. Think of how a tree looks different from various angles, yet we know it’s the same tree. This shows us a real, unchanging world, even if our view of it changes.
How Our Bodies Shape Our View of the World:
Philosophers
believe that our bodies are central to how we perceive things. How we interact with and feel things through our body helps us form an idea of a world that exists continuously, even if we aren’t always directly experiencing every part of it.
Shared Experiences Confirm Reality
Sharing experiences with others – like both of us seeing the same object – helps confirm that there is a reality that is more than just our perceptions. This common reality is shaped by our interactions with each other and the world.
Cognitive Biases and How They Affect Us
Sometimes, our brains make quick decisions that aren’t completely accurate, leading to errors in understanding reality. These errors are known as
cognitive biases
. But, if we think things through more carefully, we can get a clearer, more accurate understanding of the world.
The Role of Positive Illusions
Psychologists talk about
positive illusions
– slightly overconfident views we might have about ourselves. These can be helpful, like making us more hopeful or persistent. But, if our perceptions are too far from reality, they can become problematic, leading us to set goals that are too hard to achieve or to be unprepared for challenges.
FAQ
How does perception differ from reality in everyday life?
Perception is how we interpret our surroundings, but it may not always match the actual state. For example, people might perceive a greater threat than what truly exists in stressful situations.
Can our perceptions change over time?
Yes, perceptions can evolve with new experiences, information, or changes in our mindset. For instance, learning about a topic can change how we perceive it.
Why do different people perceive the same situation differently?
Individual backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs shape how each person perceives a situation. For example, two people might view a challenging task differently based on their experiences with similar challenges.
How can understanding the difference between perception and reality help us?
Recognizing this difference can prevent misunderstandings and help us approach situations more objectively. For instance, understanding that our view is just a perception can lead to more effective resolutions in conflicts.
Is it possible to align our perceptions more closely with reality?
Yes, we can align our perceptions closer to reality through critical thinking, seeking diverse viewpoints, and being open to new information. Regular reflection and mindfulness practices can also help in this regard.
How do cognitive biases affect our perception of reality?
Cognitive biases can skew our perception, leading us to make irrational decisions or misinterpret situations. For example, confirmation bias might cause us only to notice information supporting our beliefs.
What role do emotions play in shaping our perception?
Emotions can heavily influence how we perceive things. When we're happy, we might perceive situations more positively, and vice versa.
How can we manage the influence of perception in decision-making?
Being aware of our biases, questioning our assumptions, and considering multiple perspectives can help manage the influence of perception in decision-making.
What are some techniques to improve our perception?
Techniques like mindfulness, engaging in open dialogues, and exposing ourselves to different cultures and ideas can improve our perception.
Can we ever perceive reality completely accurately?
While it's challenging to perceive reality accurately, striving for objectivity and being aware of our limitations can help us get closer to an accurate understanding.
Important:
TherapyRoute does not provide medical advice. All content is for informational purposes and cannot replace consulting a healthcare professional. If you face an emergency, please contact a local emergency service. For immediate emotional support, consider contacting a local helpline.
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