Many individuals express concern that society is becoming increasingly uncivil, pointing to behaviors such as shoplifting and public disturbances as evidence. A study published in June 2023 corroborates this sentiment, revealing that people in over 60 countries feel a decline in basic decency. Additionally, a 2025 poll of nearly 9,600 Americans indicated that 46% believe rudeness is growing, while only 9% see it diminishing since the pandemic.
Despite these widespread perceptions, research suggests that the reality may be more positive than people think. My investigations into societal behavior reveal significant misperceptions regarding moral decline, and there are compelling reasons to believe in the overall decency of individuals.
Positive Values Persist Across Cultures
A notable study from 2022, involving 32,000 participants across 49 cultural groups, showed that values such as loyalty, honesty, and helpfulness were highly ranked. In contrast, power and wealth were considered less significant. This data challenges claims of moral degradation, suggesting that fundamental values remain intact.
An interactive tool created by social scientist Maksim Rudnev using data from the European Social Survey reinforced this finding. The tool demonstrated that values consistent with cooperation and kindness have remained stable from 2002 to 2023 across more than 30 European countries. Further research indicates a broad similarity in values across various demographics, including education levels, religious affiliations, and political beliefs.
Even among politically polarized groups, such as American Democrats and Republicans, a study conducted between 2021 and 2023 found remarkable similarities in values. This presents an alternative narrative to the prevailing view of a divided society.
Behavior Reflects Moral Decency
Numerous studies suggest that actual behaviors often contradict the notion of a morally declining society. For instance, research examining public conflicts using CCTV footage revealed that in 90% of observed incidents, bystanders intervened when present. This pattern held true across countries including the Netherlands, South Africa, and the UK. Such findings indicate that many individuals are willing to assist others, even in dangerous situations.
In more everyday scenarios, behaviors reflecting kindness abound. A 2019 study found that lost wallets containing cash were returned more often than those without. In another experiment conducted in 2023, participants from seven countries who received $10,000 with minimal restrictions spent over $4,700 on others and donated around $1,700 to charity.
While some may argue that moral standards were higher in the past, limited studies suggest that cooperation among Americans has improved slightly from the 1950s to the 2010s when interacting with strangers.
Understanding the Roots of Pessimism
Despite evidence supporting moral stability, many still perceive society as deteriorating. This perception is often fueled by media coverage that emphasizes negative events. Research shows that negative news tends to garner more attention on social media, often overshadowing instances of communal support and cooperation during crises.
Additionally, individuals with more extreme political views are more likely to share negative narratives online, leading to a distorted view of societal behavior. It is important to recognize that while negative behaviors exist, they do not represent the majority.
This misperception can have significant implications for civic engagement. People who believe others prioritize selfish values are less likely to volunteer or participate in community activities. Fortunately, research indicates that when individuals recognize shared values among others, their outlook can improve, fostering trust and cooperation.
Engaging with others, whether through casual conversations or community events, can also help reinforce positive perceptions. Furthermore, focusing on positive news stories and acts of kindness can shift one’s perspective toward a more optimistic view of society.
In conclusion, the evidence suggests that a moral decline is not occurring, despite some negative behaviors on the rise. It is crucial for society to remain aware of the positive values that bind us together. By fostering connections and engaging with one another, communities can work towards a more compassionate future.
This article is based on research by Paul Hanel, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Psychology, University of Essex, and is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.
