How to convince people to comply with health recommendations during COVID‑19 outbreak

The current situation is exceptional in terms of a social and economic crisis that the entire world is facing (Karwowski et al., 2020; Sorokowski et al., 2020). Undoubtedly, it is in everyone’s best interest to contain the further spread of the novel coronavirus (SARS‑CoV‑2). This may be achieved by complying with the recommendations of doctors and experts, such as maintaining social distancing. However, one does not need to look far for examples of violations of coronavirus health recommendations (Horowitz & Bubola, 2020; Jones, 2020). So the question arises, why do some people choose not to comply, and critically, how can we effectively convey messages and convince people to actually listen to health advice? The answer to this question seems particularly important for you, Readers and Authors, who, as scientists, doctors, officials, and experts, often appear in the media and give advice, and by doing so, have the greatest oppor‑ tunity to appeal to the public (Abu‑Akel et al., 2020). Indeed, with knowledge on increasing persuasive‑ ness of communications, you may not only be heard, but also be listened to.