The role of fear in modern societies: Our ancient fear response to new situations is not always helpful in a civilised society

The COVID‐19 pandemic highlights how our ancient fear response can be exploited for nefarious purposes with social media lending a helping hand. Subject Categories: S&S: Economics & Business, Ecology, Microbiology, Virology & Host Pathogen Interaction

The COVID‐19 pandemic has underscored more than any previous crisis how fear can be exploited by multiple actors from outright conspiracy theorists with pernicious agendas to governments seeking to maximise public compliance with lockdowns and social distancing. The crisis has also given new urgency to the debate over how to handle fake news and its rapid propagation over social media, as well as the part science should play in leading and supporting governments'' decisions.At a fundamental level, the pandemic has highlighted the balance evolution has struck between fear and its aversion, between risk taking and risk avoidance. Indeed, for many animals, fear is necessary to avoid predation or accidental death, but it must be kept in check to avoid starvation by never setting out to search for food.

At a fundamental level, the pandemic has highlighted the balance evolution has struck between fear and its aversion, between risk taking and risk avoidance.