In a thought-provoking interview, Dr. Michaéla Schippers, a professor of behavior and Performance Management, discusses her impactful initiatives during the COVID-19 crisis. This article provides a summary of her insights, shedding light on the psychological and economic consequences of the pandemic, scientific freedom, rising inequalities, and the need for collective action.
Table of contents
Introduction
Dr. Michaéla Schippers is a renowned professor known for her work in behavior and Performance Management. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, she launched two significant initiatives: the “Follow the Science” podcast and the “Great Citizens” movement. These endeavors aim to empower individuals and ensure their voices are heard, even in the face of a pandemic.
Dr. Schippers’ Initiatives
Dr. Schippers focuses on the psychological and economic consequences of the COVID-19 crisis. Recognizing the alarming rise in inequalities and hunger, she has written articles extensively covering the devastating side effects of the pandemic. Collaborating with Dr. John Ioannidis, she co-authored the aggressive measures paper, highlighting the correlation between societal inequalities and social problems such as suicide and social unrest. Her work has garnered positive reception in both academic and professional circles.
Overcoming Obstacles
Dr. Schippers acknowledges the obstacles encountered when attempting to share her pandemic-related research publicly. She faced backlash from her university and even lost friends along the way. Moreover, she sheds light on the lack of scientific freedom in the Netherlands, where universities struggle to balance academic reputation with the imperative of scientific freedom.
Misinformation and Personal Impacts
One of the issues discussed in the interview is the misinformation surrounding the pandemic. Dr. Schippers shares her personal experiences, including the incorrect information people had about the virus and the measures being taken. She narrates how her young son was affected by the pandemic, and how she had to manage his anxiety while emphasizing the importance of outdoor play.
Questioning the Measures
Dr. Schippers raises concerns regarding the harmful and ineffective measures employed to combat the pandemic. She compares the situation to a zombie apocalypse, where hunger, war, and pandemics are worsened due to these measures. She highlights the need to critically evaluate information and not solely rely on biased and untruthful mainstream media. The rising inequalities and mass formation during the pandemic are also discussed, revealing the pressing need for alternative solutions.
Mass Formation and Science
In this section, Dr. Schippers introduces the concept of mass formation, a psychological phenomenon where a group forms a swarm-like entity, and individuals lose their distinct identities. Drawing parallels with animal behavior, she compares this phenomenon to the collective behavior observed in ants, bees, and gazelles. Dr. Schippers emphasizes the importance of having a sentinel or a truth-teller within a group to question mainstream ideas. She acknowledges the dual nature of science, encompassing established scientific facts as well as the ongoing scientific process.
The Letter to the Future Challenge
Dr. Schippers concludes the interview by discussing her “Letter to the Future Challenge” movement. She invites individuals to write letters envisioning an ideal world without constraints, emphasizing their contributions to creating a better future. The challenge, which can be found on greatcesmovement.org, aims to foster a collective effort in co-creating a better world.
Conclusion
Dr. Michaéla Schippers’ work during the COVID-19 crisis is inspiring and thought-provoking. Through her initiatives, she has shed light on the psychological and economic consequences of the pandemic, the importance of scientific freedom, the dangers of misinformation, and the need for collective action. Her efforts encourage individuals to question mainstream ideas, critically evaluate information, and actively participate in shaping a better future.
FAQ’s
Dr. Michaéla Schippers launched two significant initiatives during the COVID-19 crisis: the “Follow the Science” podcast and the “Great Citizens” movement. These initiatives aim to empower individuals and provide them with a platform to express their views and contribute to shaping the future.
Dr. Schippers encountered obstacles in sharing her pandemic-related research, including backlash from her university and the loss of friendships. She also highlighted the lack of scientific freedom in the Netherlands and the challenges faced by universities in balancing scientific freedom with their reputation.
Misinformation during the pandemic has had profound impacts on personal lives. Dr. Schippers shares her experiences, mentioning how incorrect information about the virus and the measures being taken affected her family. She emphasizes the importance of critically evaluating information and not solely relying on mainstream media.
Dr. Schippers raises concerns about the harmful and ineffective measures being taken to combat the pandemic. She compares the situation to a zombie apocalypse, highlighting how these measures worsen hunger, war, and pandemics. She encourages individuals to question the measures and evaluate information independently.
The “Letter to the Future Challenge” is a movement initiated by Dr. Schippers. It invites individuals to write letters envisioning an ideal world without constraints and considering how they can contribute to creating a better future. To participate, individuals can visit greatcesmovement.org and share their letters.