Are We Worse People Than We Used To Be? With Adam Mastroianni
Nov 2, 2023
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Psychologist Adam Mastroianni discusses the perception of moral decline in society and presents research showing it is an illusion. They explore the impact of this perception on loneliness and the distortion of our understanding of societal change. The importance of historical context and not being overly confident in personal perceptions is emphasized.
The perception of moral decline is an illusion influenced by biases in attention and memory.
To overcome the illusion of moral decline, it is important to question immediate convictions and limit exposure to negative news.
Deep dives
Perception of Moral Decline: Illusion or Reality?
The belief in moral decline is a widely held perception, but is it actually true? Research by psychologist Adam Astrayani suggests that this belief may be an illusion. Astrayani conducted a study using survey data from over 60 countries and found that people generally believe morality has declined. However, when compared to historical data and people's own perceptions of their friends and family, there is no evidence of a decline in moral behavior. This illusion of moral decline is influenced by a negativity bias, where negative information about others receives more attention, and the fading affect bias, where bad memories fade faster than good memories. While many people prioritize addressing this perceived decline, it is important to recognize that this illusion can divert attention from other pressing issues. Politicians should focus on addressing more tangible problems, and individuals can challenge the illusion by consuming news in moderation and engaging in positive interpersonal interactions.
Factors Influencing Perception of Moral Decline
The perception of moral decline is influenced by several factors. One of them is the prevalence of negative information in the media, which leads people to believe that the world is full of villains. Additionally, the fading affect bias causes bad memories to fade faster than good memories, creating an illusion of moral decline over time. Although people primarily encounter negative information about strangers, they usually perceive their own friends and family as the same or even better than in the past. This contradiction suggests that people's perceptions are biased and that the illusion of decline is driven more by psychological factors than by actual historical changes.
Overcoming the Illusion of Moral Decline
To overcome the illusion of moral decline, it is important to question our immediate convictions and examine the evidence objectively. One effective strategy is to limit exposure to negative news, as consuming excessive negative information reinforces the illusion. The focus should shift towards addressing real issues and problems that impact society, such as economic opportunities, safety, and climate change. Recognizing that the perception of decline is unsupported by hard data can help individuals and policymakers prioritize more pressing concerns and work towards creating a more positive and empathetic society.
The Importance of Perception and Increasing Understanding
Research on the illusion of moral decline highlights the importance of perception and understanding. People's beliefs about moral decline are often influenced by biased attention to negative information and a tendency for bad memories to fade faster than good memories. These biases can lead to a distorted view of reality. It is crucial to recognize that perceptions may not align with actual data and that challenging these misconceptions can foster positive change. By focusing on building meaningful connections, engaging in open dialogue, and questioning our own biases, we can work towards a more accurate and balanced understanding of morality and social trends.
How many times have you heard this phrase: “Back in the day, people were nicer” or “People aren’t as kind as they used to be?” Most of us have experienced the feeling that people are becoming meaner over time, year after year. But is it true? Are people really less kind than they used to be?
That’s the question that has bothered psychologist Adam Mastroianni most of his life. He set out to find an answer—a search that recently culminated in a paper published in the journal Nature titled, “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?”
