As crises have historically unified people, new reports hint that the coronavirus pandemic might be making us more selfish.

• We have traditionally thought that crises bring humans together.
• New data reveals that the coronavirus might actually be making us more selfish.
• As people throw money at gun stores and video games, theyre pulling it away from people in need.

While most people believe that human beings come together during a crisis, our money tells a different story.
The New York Times just released a report detailing how our spending habits have changed during the coronavirus pandemic. The results are mostly predictable, but upon deeper investigation, theres a disturbing message. We might be more selfish than we think.
The New York Times Coronavirus Spending Report
The NYT spending report is fascinating, albeit mostly expected. Groceries saw the most significant increase in spending, while travel saw the steepest decline.
Source: The New York Times
The good news is that after the country had its major stockpiling freakout, grocery shopping has leveled off. As you might expect, online grocery shopping has skyrocketed this year.
Source: The New York Times
But the real surprise is not how we buy groceries, but how we relate to others.
We Would Much Rather Play Video Games Than Help Out During This Pandemic
Sadly, one of the categories were spending far less money on during the coronavirus crisis is charitable giving.
Source: The New York Times
At first, you might think, duhpeople have less money, theyre not going to spend it on non-essential items. But, as we become less charitable, we rise in other non-essential areas.
Weve started spending a whole lot more money on video games, for example.
Source: The New York Times
Video game companies are thriving. Nintendos (OTCMKTS:NTDOY) stock has been steadily rising. Its suddenly not too far from its high for the past year.
Nintendo is having a great month. | Source: Google
The same goes for popular gaming companies like Activision Blizzard, Electronic Arts, and Ubisoft. Its not necessarily that we dont have money to spend; its that we want to spend it on ourselves.
How many Americans turned away from people in need to use their extra cash on a firearm? Gun sales have skyrocketed since the coronavirus started spreading in the U.S.
Source: The New York Times
People all over the world have engaged in selfish behavior thats helped this virus spread. Spring breakers ignored distancing rules so they could keep the party going. Lets not even talk the people getting in fistfights over toilet paper.
We Are Not Acting As We Thought We Might
Scientific American thinks that the stress of a disaster brings us closer together.
They state:
Acute stress may actually lead to greater cooperative, social, and friendly behavior.
It seems as though weve passed the acute stress stage of this pandemic. Have we already gotten used to the massive reality shift this pandemic has created? Are we already back to normal, at least in an emotional sense?
Were putting money back into the stock market at record rates. The video game industry is booming. And yet, as billions of people were struggling to survive before the virus hit, we dont seem to be very interested in helping them out.
Its easy, and correct, to criticize our hapless leaders, but are we any better if were just at home, mashing buttons with our thumbs?
If you want to buck the trend, heres a list of charities that are focusing on coronavirus response. And if anyone needs a little self-(ish)-motivation, its now much easier to get a tax write-off for your donation.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of CCN.com.
This article was edited by Sam Bourgi.