Big Brains
The Illusion of Moral Decline
Nov 21, 2024
Adam Mastroianni, a psychologist and postdoctoral research scholar at Columbia Business School, explores the intriguing notion of moral decline. He questions whether perceptions of increased meanness are valid or merely illusions fostered by cognitive biases. Mastroianni dives into historical perspectives on morality, revealing that feelings of decline often overshadow evidence of cooperative behavior. He argues for focusing on real social issues rather than unfounded fears, and suggests reducing news consumption for better mental well-being.
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Quick takeaways
- Psychologist Adam Mastroianni's research suggests that perceptions of moral decline may be misleading, influenced by subjective experiences rather than objective reality.
- The media's focus on negative stories fosters a distorted view of morality, prompting individuals to overlook the kindness present in their immediate social circles.
Deep dives
The Illusion of Moral Decline
The belief that society is experiencing a moral decline is widespread, with a significant majority of people feeling that kindness, trustworthiness, and general decency are decreasing over time. Psychologist Adam Mastroianni's research indicates that while these perceptions are prevalent, they may not reflect reality. By examining data spanning decades, Mastroianni reveals that perceptions of morality often stem from subjective experiences rather than empirical evidence. This disconnect between perception and reality suggests that the notion of moral decline could effectively be an illusion, shaped by psychological biases and societal narratives.
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