Happiness lost: Was the decision to implement lockdown the correct one?

• DOI: 10.4102/sajems.v24i1.3795
• Publication Date: 2021-04-28T16:05:40Z
• Authors: Stephanié Rossouw; Talita Greyling; Tamanna Adhikari
• Keywords: Ordered probit; Ordinary least squares

Background: Amid the rapid global spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), many governments enforced country-wide lockdowns, likely with severe well-being consequences. The actions by triggered a debate on whether costs lockdown, economically and in well-being, surpass benefits perceived from lower infection rate. Aim: To use Gross National Happiness index (GNH), derived Big Data, to investigate determinants happiness before during first few months lockdown country as an extreme case, South Africa (a low levels stringent regulations). Next, estimate (1) probability being happy pandemic year, after implemented relative mean previous (2) utilise simulations if there were no lockdown. Setting: This study considers effect government-mandated Africa. Methods: We Data forms Twitter Google Trends derive variables ordinary least squares ordered probit estimation methods. Results: What contributes under except for COVID-19 cases, are factors linked regulations themselves. If we compare scenarios pre- post-lockdown, report cost 9%. indicate that assuming 2020, gain is 3%. Conclusion: policymakers want increase achieving same 2019, they should consider related can levels.