Social media reduce users' moral sensitivity: Online shaming as a possible consequence

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Communication Studies

Background:

• Social media platforms facilitate widespread interaction but also expose users to potentially harmful content.
• Understanding the psychological mechanisms behind online behavior, such as cyberviolence and shaming, is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how social media use impacts users' moral sensitivity.
• To examine the mediating role of perceived moral intensity in this relationship.
• To explore the behavioral consequences, specifically online shaming, stemming from reduced moral sensitivity.

Main Methods:

• Three studies were conducted using diverse methodologies, including simulated social media environments and self-rated questionnaires.
• Participants (N=160, N=412, N=295) were exposed to varying social media conditions and manipulations.
• Statistical analyses were employed to test mediation and behavioral outcomes.

Main Results:

• Consistent evidence across studies indicates that social media use reduces users' moral sensitivity.
• Perceived moral intensity of hostile comments acts as a significant mediator in this process.
• Lower perceived moral intensity and moral sensitivity were associated with a greater tendency towards online shaming.

Conclusions:

• Social media platforms can decrease moral sensitivity, mediated by perceived moral intensity, leading to increased online shaming.
• Interventions aimed at enhancing users' perceived moral intensity, such as reminders, may mitigate the negative effects of social media.
• This research offers insights into the mechanisms of cyberviolence and contributes to the understanding of moral sensitivity in digital contexts.