THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON SOCIETY: SOCIO-PSYCHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
The article presents an analysis of the possible socio-psychological consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on our own empirical studies, as well as a review of the scientific literature related to the psychological consequences of pandemics and other natural risks, the psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are considered at several levels of socio-psychological analysis: intrapersonal, interpersonal, group, intergroup and macro-psychological. The influence of anxiety, fear of death, as well as the perceived uncontrollability of the threat on value orientations and the compliance with group norms, exposure to the influence of conspiracy theories is analyzed. The effects of curfew, as well as the fear of infection and physical distance on close relationships, trust in people and interpersonal mobility, group decision-making in small groups and polarization in network communities are examined. The causes of stigmatization and the growth of intergroup tension in a pandemic are analyzed. Among the possible long-term effects of the pandemic, a decline in institutional trust, an increase in social pessimism, and the likelihood of a shift in society to conservative values and the support of authoritarian politicians are discussed. Based on the research results, several recommendations are proposed to increase the resilience of society under conditions of a pandemic, including reducing the susceptibility of misinformation and belief in conspiracy theories, preventing stigmatization and supporting compliance with sanitary and epidemiological requirements. It is emphasized that in conditions of restarting the economy, reinforcing people's faith in their own strengths and supporting empathy with others can be more effective means of inducing compliance with precautionary rules than escalating fear. The conclusion is drawn about the need for a transition in communications about the pandemic from alarmism to positive goals and the provision of information that allows citizens to make plans.