4 ms·
I wonder if, as a control, they gave some people a placebo immunization (I couldn't tell from the abstract). I'm wondering if it is the exposure to the pathoge
by lliamander 9y ago
I wonder if, as a control, they gave some people a placebo immunization (I couldn't tell from the abstract). I'm wondering if it is the exposure to the pathogen that is actually driving the behavior, or if it is the sense of security conveyed by having an immunization shot that really drives the sociability.
I believe there's already some evidence in psychological research that the rates of infection disease in a society affects the degree of openness and trust towards outsiders/strangers. Low disease rates, perhaps combined with "purification rituals" reduce people's uneasiness around large groups.
- cat199 9y agoalso those voluntarily taking flu vaccine might be more trusting/sociable to begin with..
- lliamander 9y agoI think the point was that they were noticing a change in sociability among those who were already taking the vaccine. Having a higher baseline level of sociability wouldn't be relevant.
- nickpsecurity 9y ago"or if it is the sense of security conveyed by having an immunization shot that really drives the sociability." Yeah, not accounting for that hurt the article's credibility a bit for me. It's more obvious when you picture yourself as the person concerned enough to get a vaccine. Maybe enough go reduce contact a bit just before that as it's on your mind. Then, doc says you're safe and good to go. Ok, now that the risk is knocked out, lets go out and have some fun with the crowds. Easy to see a non-parasite explanation for it.