A short thread about socialization -- and why we have to THINK about physical distancing.

We are socialized from birth, taught what to say and do in various contexts. Socialization becomes habit. And in normal times, socialization allows us to function well on autopilot. 1/x

And socialization is powerful. @BCheadle shared with me an amazing example he witnessed (and reported): In 1989, a guy walks into a Canadian Tire, and asked to see a shotgun. He pulls a shell from his coat, loads it, and blows his own head off. How do other shoppers react? 2/x

Many saw it. They all heard it. They are stunned, traumatized. And... most shoppers continued to queue up to make their purchases until the police arrived and emptied the store. Why did they do that? Because they were on autopilot. 3/x

Normally, socialization is a good thing. But these aren't normal times.

When we go out for a walk or a run, we go on autopilot. And our autopilot says it's perfectly normal and acceptable for strangers in public to be much closer than two metres away. 4/x

Physical distancing requires us to THINK and override the autopilot! Look ahead, think "if I go there will I make it impossible for that person to pass by without coming too close?" In my little corner of the world, most are doing this. But some nice people aren't. 5/x

They aren't maintaining physical distance not because they're selfish jerks who don't care about the common good. They're doing it because they're on autopilot. Please remember: When you're near others, you cannot rely on "common sense" or habit. You must THINK. 6/x