Noises in communication: “double bind” during the epidemic of COVID-19 in Serbia

Abstract

In this paper, through the application of the concept of double bind, formulated by the British anthropologist Gregory Bateson and his associates, the communicative contradiction of messages and instructions related to behavior in circumstances of epidemiological danger, announced by the government officials, doctors and the Crisis Staff during the corona virus epidemic in Serbia will be considered, as well as the consequences of such communication dissonance on the public perception of preventive and restrictive measures. The concept of double bind, which implies communication during which an individual or group from the position of authority continuously receives two or more conflicting messages that are mutually exclusive, without the possibility of feedback and resolving contradictions, is applicable to any type of cultural communication where it is important, although difficult, to correctly distinguish the obtained information. During the COVID-19 epidemic in Serbia, public messages concerning the degree of danger posed by the virus, contagion and mortality, vulnerable groups, the possibility of acquiring collective immunity, effective prevention measures, etc., were often accompanied by contradictory statements from policy makers or their actions, behavior and non-verbal communication that were contrary to what was verbally communicated and recommended. Since the communication was mostly oneway during the epidemic, because information was announced from the position of authority, through the media and at press conferences that were suspended for a certain period, without the possibility of clarifying the dilemmas, the collective dissatisfaction of recipients caused by misunderstandings and contradictions often manifested itself through humor, satire, refusal of obedience, protests, etc. This paper will consider the way in which double bind can represent a form of control and a shift of responsibility not only at the individual or family level, but also at the level of the society as a whole.