Big Brains The Illusion of Moral Decline
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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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Global Perception of Moral Decline
- The perception of moral decline is widespread, observed across various demographics and countries.
- It's not limited to certain age groups or political affiliations, suggesting a broader phenomenon.
The Illusion of Moral Decline
- Despite popular belief, data suggests that prosocial behavior has not declined and might even be improving.
- Cooperation rates in studies have increased, contradicting the perceived decline in morality.
Personal vs. General Morality
- While people perceive a general moral decline, they view their own social circles as improving.
- This contradiction highlights a potential bias in how we perceive morality.