Why is Social Distancing So Difficult?

It’s human nature to crave freedom. But responsibility grants freedom.

As I sit in my home looking out the window, I see neighbors without masks on standing less than 6 feet apart — more like less than 3 feet — laughing, talking, enjoying the beautiful day. Down the street, a neighbor is attempting to have a socially-distanced party, but the crowd is starting to form, creating less than ideal spacing. Kids are running around playing with each other, touching shared objects, breathing on each other.

You’d think it was a normal day. But it isn’t. Not only are we under a stay-at-home order, but we have been advised to continue social distancing into the future until COVID-19 is under control. As of the present, the virus is far from under control. Sure, we’ve flattened the curve in many areas, but it’s still around. I promise. I’m an ER doc and I see it during every shift.

So what is it about social distancing that is so hard to follow?

Yes, we are social creatures, craving time with friends and family. And let’s face it, Zoom just doesn’t cut it. But I think there’s more to it. I think our culture, our species, yearns for freedom. Freedom to do what we want when we want. And no one is going to stop us.

How is social distancing any different than bike helmets, motorcycle helmets, life vests, or even car booster seats for older children? We want the freedom to choose whether to use these safety devices. Who cares if they’re proven to protect us and our children? They’re an inconvenience and if it’s not against the law, then why follow the recommendation?

It couldn’t happen to me, or could it?

We’re also naive as a species to believe, “It couldn’t happen to me or my children.” That is, until it does. It’s sad and unfortunate how many people have lost their lives in open waters because they chose not to wear life vests. They thought they were great swimmers until their head hit the side of the boat knocking them unconscious, and ultimately drowning.

Freedom and convenience come with a price. Not everyone pays that price, but it hits home if it’s you or a loved one. This is no different for a virus with a high rate of infectivity.

Who gets hurt?

And the argument that you’re not hurting anyone else falls on deaf ears too. If your child doesn’t wear their bike helmet, falls and cracks open their skull, you’ve just caused unneeded injury to your child. If helmets didn’t work, they wouldn’t be recommended.

But what if it’s a serious injury, like a motorcyclist who doesn’t die but becomes comatose following an accident? It’s a burden on their family, emotionally and physically, as well as on taxpayers who now have to foot their bill for years to come.

Misconceptions

Then there is false reasoning. “Well I don’t have any symptoms and I haven’t been around anyone who has had the virus.” Newsflash, you can be an asymptomatic carrier with no idea where you contracted the virus.

If you are an asymptomatic carrier spreading COVID to your friends or family, or simply choosing NOT to wear a mask in the grocery store, you could be infecting a host of people, some who may become very ill. To me, that is simply irresponsible.

Is personal liberty more important than social responsibility?

I would say both personal liberty and social responsibility are equally important, but the altruistic individual puts aside their personal needs to help their community and their country. Isn’t that what this country is built upon? Do unto others as you would have done unto you. Would you willingly infect yourself with a virus?

Do we teach our children to look out only for themselves or help those around them? Let’s be role models and help each other fight this pandemic. 

I choose responsibility

I’m not saying we all have to stay home and isolate. By no means would this ever fly for an extended period of time. And it’s not healthy. We are social creatures.

But we should listen to the experts, listen to science, and be responsible around others. This is a huge culture change and it’s certainly very challenging. But it is the right thing to do. 

The US has the most cases of COVID of any country in the world. We have almost as many cases as the entirety of Europe. We need to change our mindset to encompass both personal freedom and protecting our neighbors.

Let’s step up and show the world we can social distance, as challenging as it might be. In my opinion, this is the only thing we can do in the short-term to save both lives and the economy in the long-term.