Times have been rough for all of us and in the midst of this whole crisis, we want to make sure that we and our families are safe and secure. So there's no wonder why many people went out to supermarkets and bought so much of a few particular items which could possibly last them for months. And many have received backlash for this hoarding behavior. But the thing is, it seems that this was the way our brains were wired by evolution.
The word “hoarding” might bring to mind relatives or neighbors whose houses are overfilled with junk. A small percentage of people do suffer from what psychologists call “hoarding disorder,” keeping excessive goods to the point of distress and impairment.
But hoarding is actually a totally normal and adaptive behavior that kicks in any time there is an uneven supply of resources. Everyone hoards, even during the best of times, without even thinking about it. People like to have beans in the pantry, money in savings and chocolates hidden from the children. These are all hoards.
Outside of ethical discussions, hoarding is normal behavior. Of course, that is not to say that in a crisis such as the one we are in now, engaging in excessive hoarding is justified. But with how uncertain things have become, one cannot blame them for doing what they can to survive.
(Image credit: Flickr user periwinkle61)