1 Chapter I Introduction This chapter provides the research background as the problem identification, research questions, objectives, contributions, scope and limitations, also the key assumption of this research. This research will explore how personality traits accompanied by perceptions and attitudes related to the pandemic, social media usage, and individual financial attributes can influence the level of vulnerability experienced and change various individual financial decisions when entering the new normal period. I.1 Research Background The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has emerged as one of the most significant global challenges in recent history. Since being identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, the virus has spread rapidly across countries and impacted millions worldwide. The highly contagious nature of the virus, coupled with its ability to cause severe respiratory illness, has caused widespread disruption in daily life, economies, and healthcare systems globally. The spread of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) was designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Global Pandemic on March 11, 2020. The impact of this pandemic transcends geographical boundaries so that not a single region in the world is untouched. Table I.I Covid-19 Global Situation Source: WHO Dashboard 2 Based on data reported to WHO, as of November 8, 2023, the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be profound, with a reported total of 771,820,937 confirmed cases and 6,978,175 recorded deaths. In the past week alone, the world has witnessed an additional 9,426 newly reported cases and 122 new deaths. Figure I.I Covid-19 Global Situation, Source: WHO Dashboard Efforts to combat the spread of the virus have been marked by a robust vaccination campaign, as reflected in the administration of an impressive 13,534,474,309 vaccine doses globally by November 4, 2023. This significant milestone underscores the collective effort to inoculate populations and mitigate the devastating effects of the pandemic. While progress has been made in vaccination efforts, the latest data highlights the ongoing challenges and the dynamic nature of the situation. The reported cases and deaths in the last seven days serve as a reminder that vigilance and continued efforts are crucial in navigating the complexities of the global health crisis. As nations strive to achieve widespread immunity through vaccination campaigns and implement measures to curb the transmission of the virus, the reported figures underscore the importance of a coordinated, global response to effectively combat and overcome the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. 3 Figure I.II Covid-19 Indonesia Situation, Source: WHO Dashboard In Indonesia, COVID-19 has been declared a public health emergency and national disaster through Presidential Decrees 11 and 12 of 2020. Like many nations, Indonesia has faced the formidable challenge posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. As of November 8, 2023, the country has reported 6,813,429 confirmed cases and 161,918 deaths. The impact of the virus has been significant, prompting a robust response from health authorities and the government. Notably, as of October 17, 2023, 448,192,472 vaccine doses have been administered, reflecting a proactive approach to vaccination. The data further reveals that Indonesia has reported 2,490.98 confirmed cases per 100,000 population, with a death rate of 59.2 per 100,000 population.