Welcome to Episode 5 of 60-Second Psychology: The Psychology of Moral Outrage.

If you spend any time on social media or news comment boards, you might have a sense that we are locked in a state of perpetual outrage. Yale psychologist Molly Crockett defines Moral Outrage as the anger and disgust that accompanies a perceived moral violation. Crockett noted that moral outrage has been an important evolutionary tool for humans, acting to create a sense of social cohesion. However, recently, studies are showing that moral outrage in social media may be driving increased polarization -- and that it is highly addictive!

Moral outrage becomes addictive when one begins feeling assured of their own moral superiority and especially when others on social media strongly reinforce their views. This variable reinforcement pattern is habit-forming – we love feeling right and being recognized for it. The danger is that we view those who do not join us as inferior.

Political leaders, disinformation profiteers, and activist organizations create viral moralized content by capitalizing on these tendencies. Moral outrage can be helpful and enlightened, but in a digital realm, outrage easily lapses into smugness and addictive superiority. This feeling of certainty in our moral high ground drives us apart rather than bringing us together. Polarization in society today is certainly being driven by social media and anonymous comment boards, so while moral outrage can be a tool for progress, we should be careful to not let it drive society apart.

Have you ever seen or experienced this phenomenon before? Let me know in the comments below. Don't forget to like and subscribe for future 60-Second Psychology videos, and I’ll see you next time.

Aloha,

Dr. Jen