Why Do We Forget So Quickly? The Human Pattern of Reacting, Then Returning to Normal

Have you ever observed how people respond after a major tragedy or crisis? Whether it's a plane crash, a terrorist attack, a natural disaster, or even a health pandemic - there's an immediate sense of urgency. Everyone starts following rules strictly, safety procedures are put in place, and authorities issue new guidelines. But then, over time, it all fades. We slowly go back to our old habits, almost as if nothing ever happened.

This isn't just a coincidence. It's a common human behavior - a cycle of intense reaction followed by gradual forgetfulness.

The Immediate Reaction

When something terrible happens, our first response is shock and fear. Take, for example, a plane crash. Following such an incident, aviation authorities tighten regulations. Airlines recheck their fleets, pilots undergo extra training, and airports increase safety checks. Passengers, too, become more alert and cautious while flying.

Or consider a terrorist attack at a tourist destination. After such events, tourism slows down, governments raise alert levels, and security personnel are deployed in greater numbers. Tourists become wary. Bags are checked more carefully, and everyone seems to take rules more seriously.

The Gradual Decline

But how long does this heightened awareness last?

Not very long. Once the news cycle moves on, people begin to relax. The extra security checks feel like a burden. The fear starts to fade. Over time, many of the new procedures are either softened or ignored. People start traveling again like they used to. Tourists return to the same locations. And soon, the daily routines go back to normal - almost as if the incident never occurred.

Think about the COVID-19 pandemic. At the peak, everyone wore masks, avoided crowds, and sanitized regularly. Travel was limited, workplaces shifted online, and people were highly conscious of hygiene. But as time passed, restrictions eased and people became less cautious. Today, it’s hard to imagine how strictly we once followed those rules. Many now go about life with little trace of the intense discipline we had just a few years ago.

Why Do We Forget?

This behavior is deeply rooted in human psychology. Constant fear is exhausting. For mental health and social functioning, we naturally seek a sense of normalcy. As time passes and no new incidents occur, we subconsciously tell ourselves that “things are safe again.” This gives us permission to relax.

There’s also something called "risk fatigue" - the idea that we become less sensitive to threats over time, especially if we’re constantly exposed to warnings. The longer we go without experiencing the danger again, the less seriously we take it.

The Danger of Forgetting

While it's natural to return to normal life, completely forgetting past lessons can be dangerous. Complacency often leads to repeating the same mistakes. Ignoring safety measures that were once implemented for a reason puts lives at risk again.

Airlines, for instance, often improve safety after a crash - not because they expect another one immediately, but to prevent future tragedies. Ignoring those improvements because "it hasn’t happened in a while" defeats the purpose.

Staying Prepared Without Living in Fear

So, how do we break this cycle? It's not about living in constant fear, but rather about maintaining a baseline level of awareness and responsibility. The goal should be to learn from the past and integrate those lessons into our everyday systems - not just when disaster strikes, but as a way of life.

• Continue following basic hygiene practices even after a pandemic ends.
• Don’t ignore safety drills at work or school, even if they feel routine.
• Remain alert and cautious while traveling, especially in high-risk areas.

Final Thoughts

Human beings have an incredible ability to adapt - it's one of our greatest strengths. But we must be careful not to let that adaptability turn into forgetfulness. The past holds valuable lessons. It’s up to us to remember them, not just in moments of crisis, but long after the dust has settled.