PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Everywhere you look there seem to be stories or tales of people being, well...downright mean to one another. Road rage, violent behavior on planes, a "me first" attitude.
Dr. Marc Burock, the system medical director for behavioral health at Main Line Health System, said there are several reasons why this could be happening.
"I think our psychological reasons are the ones everyone knows about," he said.
"There has been pent-up frustration with not being able to go out and do things. There has been ongoing fear and anxiety that we have been unable to sort of discharge. There really is a true thing about emotions building up and needing some sort of release."
That release, he said, is called catharsis, with roots dating back to ancient Greece. There are, however, biological issues to consider as well.
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"Everybody's biological systems have been a little bit elevated and that puts us closer to the brink. There is also some disinhibition with people drinking more during the pandemic," Burock explained.
"Then the final aspect is the ideological part, or political part. Our society is so polarized these days and polarization leads to extremes on either side."
Burock pointed to many reported incidents on the planes involving drinking and mask-wearing. As life returns to normal, he suggested everyone be more thoughtful and respectful.
As for a healthier way of releasing emotions, Burock recommended exercise, writing or art.
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