Human Nature and Why Free Covid Tests Went Viral

This week the US government launched the website to order free at-home COVID tests, and it was basically impossible to not hear about it. Someone shared it on the EMBA WhatsApp class of 2022 chat and immediately many students chimed in with a note of thanks. After placing my own order, in under a minute, I quickly passed it onto my husband, to tell him to share it with his uncle. He had just complained he was having trouble finding tests after an exposure. It’s easy to see why and how so many folks wanted to share this link with friends and family. In a time when there isn’t a lot we can do to support one another on the logistics of the pandemic, this feels like an easy win. NYTimes journalist Shira Ovide shares that human behaviorists believe “the test kit website may have gone viral for some of the same reasons that a Black Friday sale can spread quickly: It makes us feel good to tell others something that may be helpful — especially if the information feels like secret knowledge — and we tend to trust people we know more than experts.” The virality of help is addicting – it feels good to share good or helpful news, especially with those of whom we care most deeply. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/20/technology/free-covid-tests.html?searchResultPosition=1