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.
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.
Measuring Morality Over Time
Mastroianni utilizes extensive survey data collected over 70 years across more than 60 countries to address perceptions of moral decline. His findings indicate that a significant number of respondents believe people today are less kind and honest compared to previous generations. However, when participants account for their personal connections, they tend to affirm that their friends and family embody an increasing kindness over time. This paradox emphasizes the tendency to generalize perceived negativity while overlooking positive behavioral changes within one’s immediate social circle.
The Role of Negative Bias in Perception
The media perpetuates a negativity bias, emphasizing stories of wrongdoing and moral failures, which fuels the perception that society is declining in morality. Furthermore, cognitive biases related to memory suggest that negative experiences fade faster than positive ones, exacerbating this distorted view. This dual influence manifests as a relentless focus on societal flaws while allowing the good to recede into the background of individual consciousness. As a result, people become susceptible to the false belief that moral degradation is both pervasive and increasing.
Confronting the Illusion and Its Consequences
The illusion of moral decline has tangible consequences, potentially stifling social interaction, increasing political polarization, and exacerbating the loneliness epidemic. Mastroianni highlights that such perceptions create fears around trust and community engagement, leading individuals to withdraw from social opportunities. He advocates for a focus shift toward actionable positive engagement rather than succumbing to negative narratives. This approach encourages individuals to challenge their perceptions, engage more positively with others, and ultimately foster a kinder society.
This year’s election might have been the most contentious in modern memory. It's not just that politics have changed, but it seems that people have too. You’ve probably heard this phrase: “People aren’t as kind as they used to be”. Maybe you’ve experienced the feeling that people are acting meaner to each other, year after year. But is it true? Are people really less kind than they used to be?
With that question in mind, and as we take some time off for the Thanksgiving holiday, we wanted to reshare our episode with psychologist Adam Mastroianni. Mastroianni wondered if people are really becoming less moral in today's world, so he set out to find an answer, and published his findings in the journal Nature, “The Illusion of Moral Decline.” While the title may be a giveaway for his findings, he asks: If people are becoming less moral, why do we all feel the same way—and what can we do to shake this “illusion?”
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