Understanding Collective Illusions and Moral Hypocrisy

Collective illusions often cause individuals within a group to mistakenly believe that extreme views are the norm, despite the reality that most group members actually share more moderate perspectives. When open communication occurs, it is revealed that many participants feel pressured to conform to perceived expectations, such as binge drinking in college environments, leading to dissatisfaction and negative consequences. By simply revealing the true sentiments of group members, harmful behaviors can be mitigated. Additionally, moral hypocrisy emerges when individuals judge others based on identity group affiliations, leading them to hold their own group to different moral standards than those of rival groups. This selective judgement creates a toxic atmosphere where fairness and objectivity are undermined, especially in political contexts, exacerbating division and fostering inequity.