Social media has indoctrinated people to talk and post about trending topics, issues, and people. These trends can be both positive or negative. Positive news is awesome to read and share. But, we all know that the negative news sells the most, gets the most attention, views, likes, or shares.

you don’t kick a person when they’re already down!

I ask “why?!” Why do people revel when bad things happen to others? Do my people not know that you don’t kick a person when they’re already down? It’s inhumane to say the least. It says more about the person doing the kicking than the one who has fallen.

It’s okay to share bad news so others can beware and, probably learn from it. But, gloating about another’s downfall is something else. Most times, it’s difficult for me to say “I told you so!” even when I have warned a person about something. But, I see everyone capitalizing on a person’s downfall in the name of “trending!” I wonder if I’m human any more.

Why?!

The reasons are rooted in human psychology, social dynamics, and, increasingly, the influence of social media.

People often revel in others’ downfall or misfortune for several reasons rooted in human psychology, social dynamics, and, increasingly, the influence of social media. While it’s unsettling, this behavior can provide insights into the nature of modern society and point to healthier alternatives.

Why People Take Pleasure in Others’ Misfortune (Schadenfreude)

1. Feelings of Superiority: Witnessing someone else’s failure or misfortune can make others feel superior. They may see their own position as more favorable by comparison, even if only temporarily, which boosts their self-esteem.
2. Relief from Pressure: Society often imposes immense pressure on people to succeed. When a successful or influential person falls from grace, others may feel relieved that perfection isn’t the standard, allowing them to embrace their own imperfections without shame.
3. Deflection from Personal Struggles: Focusing on another’s misfortune distracts people from their own problems. It’s easier to criticize or laugh at someone else than to confront personal issues like insecurity, dissatisfaction, or failure.
4. Tribalism and Groupthink: In some cases, people revel in the downfall of others who belong to opposing groups, ideologies, or rival factions. This tribal mentality fosters an “us versus them” mindset, and seeing a rival suffer can feel like a victory for their side.
   This is notoriously done in politics, but it has now transcended into every one and across industries.

The Role of Social Media

Social media has undeniably amplified this phenomenon. Platforms encourage users to engage with trending topics, and sensational or controversial stories often get the most attention. The result is a culture where:

• Outrage Sells: Negative content drives engagement—whether it’s scandals, failures, or mistakes. Likes, shares, and comments multiply when people are drawn to topics that stir up strong emotions.
• Echo Chambers: Algorithms show users content that aligns with their interests and beliefs, creating echo chambers where it’s easy to join in on the ridicule of a person or event without considering the full picture.
• Anonymity and Distance: The digital space creates a sense of anonymity, allowing people to participate in the mockery of others with little fear of consequences. This distance also diminishes empathy since users are detached from the real-life impact their words and actions may have.
• The ‘Viral’ Effect: People feel compelled to join in on viral conversations. They want to feel included and relevant, so they share or comment on the misfortune of others, not necessarily out of malice but out of a desire to engage with what’s trending.

Let’s be People Pointing in the Right Direction

What if that person was you? I pray not. But, let’s imagine it was you or I, how would we want to be treated or like our trending issue handled?

behind every public figure or trending story is a real human being

It’s essential to challenge this harmful behavior by encouraging self-awareness, empathy, and positive engagement. Here’s how we can combat the tendency to revel in others’ downfall:

1. Practice Empathy: Empathy never fails. People, remember that behind every public figure or trending story is a real human being. Empathy helps us see beyond the headlines and understand the emotional and psychological toll that public shaming or ridicule can have.
2. Choose Meaningful Engagement: Rather than engaging in toxic or negative commentary, let’s encourage ourselves and each other to use social media for learning, inspiration, or constructive conversations. Sharing uplifting stories, helpful advice, or thoughtful opinions benefits (or should benefit) both you, the individual, and your online community.
3. Reflects on Personal Insecurities: Often, reveling in someone else’s failure reflects unresolved issues within ourselves. Introspect — ask questions like: Why does someone’s downfall make me feel good? What insecurities or fears am I masking by joining in?
4. Turn Away from the Clickbait Culture: It’s important to recognize the algorithms designed to provoke outrage and drama. Users can choose to follow content creators who promote positive messages and engage with issues that matter instead of getting caught up in toxic trends. We all have a choice.
5. Promote Forgiveness and Growth: Instead of condemning people who fail or fall, celebrate those who learn from their mistakes and show resilience. When the focus is on growth and redemption, society becomes more supportive, and people feel less inclined to tear others down.

Conclusion

While it’s tempting to join in when someone else faces misfortune, it’s important to recognize how this behavior reflects on us and affects society. Social media, with its emphasis on engagement and virality, can exacerbate this problem by pushing negative stories to the forefront. However, by choosing empathy, introspection, and meaningful engagement, we can shift the focus toward building others up rather than celebrating their downfall and tearing them down even more. How much lower do we need them to go by so doing?

This positive shift benefits both individuals and communities, creating a culture of support rather than one of judgment and ridicule. Time we all start doing differently and positively.