This is what influences your compliance to Covid-19 measures the most

How much you comply with lockdown measures is most likely to be influenced by whether or not your family and friends are doing the same. — AFP

Ahead of the fear of contracting Covid-19 or personal convictions, it is the influence of close relatives that seems to have the greatest impact on whether an individual respects physical-distancing mandates.

That was the finding of a team of British researchers who see social networks as the key to better compliance with health restrictions and greater acceptance of vaccination.

The researchers from the University of Nottingham, in partnership with experts in collective behaviour from British, French, German and American universities, investigated the motivations of citizens in complying with public policies and other health-related rules.

They analysed data from 6,674 individuals from 114 countries to determine the role of social networks, as well as relatives, in preventing the spread of Covid-19.

Published in the British Journal of Psychology, their work revealed that simply approving of health restrictions or being afraid of getting infected with Covid-19 was not associated with being the most compliant with the rules.

The most diligent were those whose social circle – family and friends in particular – respected the rules imposed by authorities.

This finding was consistent across all age groups, all genders and all countries, regardless of the severity of the pandemic and the level of health guidelines.

The researchers also found that people who were particularly connected to their country were more likely to adhere to lockdown rules.

“Public policies are on the wrong track; we see scientists and politicians trying to boost the public’s approval of the measures, so that vaccination campaigns and lockdowns get the support of the citizens, but approval does not mean compliance!

“You may make up your own mind about the measures or listen to experts, but eventually, what you do depends on what your close friends do,” explains Prof Ophelia Deroy from Germany, who specialises in philosophy of the mind and neuroscience.

In light of these findings, the researchers believe that pandemic strategies should be rethought.

In particular, social network platforms should be used to signal to one’s close acquaintances not only whether they wish to benefit from vaccination, but also to show one’s social circle that they are complying with the rules imposed by public authorities.

This would be more effective than showing outrage for those not respecting these rules.

The researchers also mention the importance of using trusted personalities to deliver public messages with an emphasis on collective values, as is the case in some Asian countries such as China.

“Our message to policymakers is that even when the challenge is to practise social distancing, social closeness is the solution,” the team concludes. – AFP Relaxnews