Initially, medical masks disappeared from store shelves, followed by hand sanitizer.

But how to explain the cause of toilet paper running out on shelves from a psychological perspective?

Unknown and scary

The new coronavirus, according to experts, instills fear in everyone, first of all because until now, it is still unknown.

`If people are warned about an approaching danger, but are only advised to regularly wash their hands, this is not enough to make them aware of the scale of the threat. That’s because

In addition to fear of the harmful effects of the outbreak caused by this virus, behind the panic buying actions lurks the fear that the quarantine process will be prolonged.

Domino effect

There is another equally important point here: When someone decides to stockpile a certain good, this will create a chain reaction.

`Humans – they are social entities and in everyday life will look for confirmation of what is safe and what is dangerous. And when they see others buying stocks

Stay in control

Massive stockpiling of toilet paper also has practical aspects: Millions of people around the world are staying indoors these days, only taking to the streets in extreme cases.

`The new coronavirus has led to the emergence of a kind of `survival mentality`, according to which we will have to survive as much as possible without having to go out, and to do that we need to hoard supplies.

And finally, stockpiling toilet paper gives people a sense of control – during times when the pandemic is raging.

`When there is a feeling that they have done everything they can, people will feel satisfied,` Mr. Taylor shared.