"Selfish" vs "Buy if Needed" Wuhan Pneumonia Fear... Controversy Over Mask and Hand Sanitizer Hoarding

Citizens "Must Prevent Bulk Buying" vs "Virus Outbreak... Essential Items" Debate
Experts "Defense Psychology of Individuals in Extreme Situations"

Photo by Asia Economy DB

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] As fear of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia) spreads, controversy has erupted over hoarding of masks and hand sanitizers. Opinions are divided between those who argue that individuals buying large quantities of hygiene products at once is problematic and those who say they have no choice but to buy them because they need them.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the 30th, the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Korea has been counted as four. A total of 387 people who had contact with confirmed patients have been identified.

As of 9 a.m. that day, among 240 people under investigation, 199 tested negative and were released from quarantine, while 41 remained in isolation.

Meanwhile, sales of hygiene products such as masks and hand sanitizers have surged at various shopping malls. This surge in demand has even led to sold-out situations, sparking controversy among consumers.

According to Gmarket on the 28th, mask sales from January 21 to 27 increased by 4380% compared to the previous week (January 14?20). Compared to the same period last year, sales increased by 2044%. Sales of liquid hand sanitizers also rose by 7410% year-on-year and 7004% compared to the previous week.

However, companies are also struggling due to limited stock. Hygiene product companies posted notices stating, "Delivery is delayed due to a surge in orders," "The headquarters is overwhelmed by the volume of orders," and "Due to the surge in orders, items are sold out and cancellations are unavoidable due to lack of stock."

On the 29th, amid growing concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia), Chinese tourists are lining up to buy masks at a pharmacy on Myeongdong Street in Seoul. Photo by Asia Economy DB

Given this situation, opinions among citizens are divided over individuals purchasing masks and other items in large quantities.

Citizens voiced criticism such as, "Please prevent one person from buying too many," "Isn't it selfish to buy so much just for yourself?" and "Think about others too."

A 28-year-old office worker, Mr. A, said, "I get angry seeing someone buying several boxes just for themselves during a national disaster," adding, "What need does one person have for so many masks?"

He continued, "People should be considerate of others," and "Wearing a mask alone doesn’t mean you won’t catch Wuhan pneumonia; I think everyone needs to be careful together."

Another citizen, Mr. B, posted on an online community, "I ordered masks yesterday, but today my order was suddenly canceled," and "When I tried to reorder, the price had almost doubled."

Mr. B also pointed out, "The price is a problem, but I wish there were quantity limits," adding, "There are many sold-out masks. Everyone needs them, so if this continues, some people might not be able to buy any at all."

Photo by Yonhap News

On the other hand, some responded, "Isn’t it for their family?" "They buy because they need to," and "It’s natural to buy when a virus is spreading."

Mr. C, in his 40s, said, "I bought masks for my family of five," explaining, "Since there are many family members, even buying a week’s supply requires a large amount." He added, "Others might see me buying so many masks alone and think badly of me," and "I hope the Wuhan pneumonia issue is resolved soon."

Experts analyzed this hoarding of hygiene products as a defensive psychological reaction of individuals pushed into extreme situations trying to protect themselves.

Professor Kwak Geumju of Seoul National University’s Department of Psychology said, "Because individual anxiety has heightened, people focus on protecting and defending themselves rather than thinking of others," and "There is a strong individualistic awareness that one must act faster than others to survive."

She added, "Especially government announcements or media reports about shortages of supplies likely increased tension even more," and "Under normal circumstances, these problems do not stand out, but when pushed into extreme situations, the survival instinct to live alone grows and develops into social selfishness, which becomes problematic."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.