Why Fear Makes Us Say “Yes” When We Knew We Should Have Said “No” – Rachel Bernstein –
Disclaimer: This session was delivered for the 2023 ICSA Conference. The speaker of this session does not speak on behalf of ICSA as an organization.
Abstract: During this time of COVID, our level of fear has risen greatly. People are afraid because of the ongoing and virulent nature of this illness, as well as its unpredictability. The fact that it can be so communicable and also have a long-lasting impact has caused a sharp increase in interest in conspiratorial thinking, psychics, healers, shamans, channelers, and the like who tout magical energy cures or peddle pseudoscience and protective potions. Simultaneously, there has been a lessening of civility and the impossibility, at times, of having a conversation about this issue without it erupting into a fight. Families and communities have been torn apart, and people have dealt with increasing isolation caused by social distancing and discord. As we know, cult leaders and those pushing pseudoscience take advantage of these moments, providing replacement communities and preying on people’s fears in order to ensnare them. This presentation will explore what causes us to say “yes” to people offering us community and protection when there is a part of us inside doubting that this is the answer. It will investigate what people can be compelled to ignore within themselves and why good and important questions remain unasked.
