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.