Morality in Times of Crisis

Abstract

Abstract This chapter investigates pandemic-related behaviors of citizens by drawing on well-studied concepts from moral and social psychology: moral panic, grandstanding, disengagement, and outrage. It presents real-world examples as a way to tackle relevant questions and contemplate solutions. Specifically, the study discusses: (a) how the spread of the virus coincided with waves of moral panic around the world; (b) how the lack of scientific consensus and distrust in public authorities resulted in moral grandstanding and disengagement in some citizens and refusal to comply with health measures; and (c) how moral outrage was born as a reaction aimed toward those who refuse by those who chose to adhere with the measures. Crucially, the chapter focuses on some common themes and underlying causes, including the interplay between external (societal) events and internal (group) processes, as well as the inflammatory content, unchecked reactions, and polarized stances that were freely disseminated on and amplified by the Internet. The summary conclusions serve to inform future research on the morality of masses in times of massive crises.