WTF?! Covid-19, indignation, and the internet.

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• The Covid-19 pandemic triggered widespread public indignation.
• Indignation was frequently expressed on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook.
• Common targets included lockdown rules, government policies, and vaccination programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the distinctive character of indignation as a form of moral anger.
• To analyze how indignation discloses moral injustices and expresses disbelief.
• To examine the impact of indignation's structure on its expression, response, and reception, particularly online.

Main Methods:

• Philosophical analysis of indignation as a moral emotion.
• Exploration of indignation's characteristics and structure.
• Case study approach focusing on indignation during the Covid-19 pandemic, with emphasis on online manifestations.

Main Results:

• Indignation is characterized by the disclosure of moral injustices and disbelief at the offense.
• The structure of indignation influences how it is enacted, responded to, and received.
• Online platforms facilitate the expression and dissemination of indignation.

Conclusions:

• Indignation serves as a crucial moral response to perceived injustices during crises like the Covid-19 pandemic.
• Understanding indignation's structure is key to comprehending its social and psychological impact.
• The internet has become a significant arena for the performance and reception of moral anger.