Panic buying is a consumer behavior where individuals purchase large quantities of goods in response to perceived shortages or crises. This often occurs during emergencies, such as natural disasters or health crises, when people fear that essential items like food, water, and toilet paper may become unavailable. This behavior can lead to empty shelves in stores and increased prices for certain products. Panic buying can create a cycle of anxiety, as the actions of some consumers can trigger others to buy more than they need, further exacerbating the situation and leading to unnecessary scarcity of goods.