# Understanding Why Quarantine Compliance is a Challenge
Written on
Chapter 1: The Crisis of 2020
The year 2020 has emerged as a time of significant upheaval, following 2019's revolutionary spirit. Amidst the turmoil, we also witness some perplexing forms of protest. In cities like Vancouver, Michigan, and Minnesota, individuals are demonstrating against social distancing mandates, voicing frustration over being "forced" to stay home and binge-watch Netflix instead.
It's certainly a challenging period for many. With economic downturns leading to job losses and even the scarcity of toilet paper becoming a noteworthy concern, we face a real crisis. However, the alternative—widespread loss of life—makes these restrictions necessary.
While I empathize with those who protest due to economic pressures and concerns over education, one must also question the behavior of those who can afford to stay home yet still choose to ignore quarantine guidelines.
Our parents and grandparents endured substantial hardships during wars, lacking the luxury of endless streaming options. In contrast, our situation seems relatively uncomplicated. So, why is it so difficult for individuals to adhere to quarantine measures? Excluding essential workers, of course.
This inquiry leads us to game theory, a concept that examines strategic interactions among rational individuals. It can help illuminate the motivations behind non-compliance.
In this video, Andrew Schulz discusses the mental toll of quarantine and how to cope with it. The insights provided may help us understand the psychological factors contributing to non-compliance.
Section 1.1: Game Theory and Quarantine Decisions
Game theory serves as a framework to analyze decision-making in a structured manner. By modeling the choice to quarantine or venture out, we can visualize the potential outcomes in a payoff matrix.
In this scenario, "You" represent yourself, while "Others" symbolize your community members, colleagues, or classmates. Each has two strategies available: Stay In (quarantine) or Go Out (not quarantine). The outcomes of these decisions can be categorized as follows:
- Top Left: The best collective outcome occurs when everyone chooses to Stay In, resulting in a minimal loss of one month of utility (MOU).
- Bottom Right: Conversely, if everyone opts to Go Out, the virus spreads, leading to a significant loss of two MOUs for all.
- Top Right: If you choose to Go Out while others Stay In, you gain an advantage, losing no MOU while they suffer a three-month loss.
- Bottom Left: If you Stay In while others Go Out, you suffer a loss of three MOUs while they gain an advantage.
Ultimately, as a rational actor aiming to maximize your payoff, you might be inclined to Go Out, believing that this choice is in your best interest. However, this logic leads to a collective failure: if everyone reasons similarly, the result is a worse outcome for all.
This situation exemplifies the Prisoner's Dilemma, where mutual rationality leads to an inferior outcome for everyone involved.
Section 1.2: The Role of Authority and Culture
Cultural attitudes towards authority significantly influence compliance with quarantine measures. In societies with a low power-distance index (PDI), such as the U.S. and Canada, individuals often challenge authority figures. High-PDI cultures, in contrast, tend to accept hierarchical structures more readily.
Research indicates that individuals from low-PDI cultures exhibit lower organizational commitment when they perceive a lack of input in decision-making processes. This cultural backdrop can explain the resistance against compliance with government mandates during crises.
Moreover, protests against restrictions are not merely acts of defiance but reflect a deeper cultural ethos that values individual input and agency.
Chapter 2: The Neuroscience of Loneliness
In this video, the stark contrast between the first and sixtieth day of quarantine is depicted, highlighting how isolation affects mental health and social interaction.
As we navigate these challenging times, the neuroscience of loneliness becomes increasingly relevant. Prior to the pandemic, there was already a growing concern over loneliness, with many individuals reporting feelings of isolation.
Loneliness can have severe health implications, from increasing the risk of heart disease to exacerbating mental health issues. Our brains are wired for social interaction, and in times of isolation, they signal a need for connection.
Dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, plays a crucial role in motivating social behavior. When deprived of social interaction, our brains push us to seek out social connections, often leading to the urge to break quarantine protocols.
In conclusion, individuals are often reluctant to adhere to quarantine measures for various reasons rooted in game theory, cultural attitudes, and neurological responses to loneliness.
In this complex landscape, understanding these factors can help us navigate the challenges posed by the current crisis and encourage greater compliance with public health recommendations.
If you're interested in discussing these topics further or sharing feedback, feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn.