Publisher's Synopsis
The Covid-19 pandemic has presented a unique opportunity for scholars and researchers to study the various responses to a global public health crisis. From social unrest and conspiracy theories to the willingness or reluctance of individuals to sacrifice their personal freedoms for the greater good of protecting their communities, the pandemic has revealed a range of behaviors and attitudes. In the current political climate, it is tempting to view the response to the pandemic and related public health measures as uniquely volatile and overly politicized, with certain groups using the outbreak for their own gain. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that many of the attitudes and behaviors surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic are not new or unique, but rather rooted in longstanding emotional responses to the pressures of disease outbreaks throughout human history. The main difference lies in the amplification of these beliefs and ideas through the use of the internet and social media, which has made every instance of support or opposition to public health responses more prominent and resonant than ever before.
