Many may have the belief that societal norms and decency are on a downward trend, but research led by psychology expert Dr Paul Hanel suggests otherwise.
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A random conversation with a stranger is likely to reveal a perception of declining societal behavior. This perception seems to be growing, from rampant shoplifting incidents to the increasing violence against retail workers. A study conducted in June 2023 revealed that people in over 60 countries feel that basic decency is dwindling. Furthermore, a 2025 poll of 9600 Americans revealed that 46% believe rudeness is on the rise, with a mere 9% feeling it’s decreasing compared to pre-pandemic levels.
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However, Dr Hanel’s research reveals that people’s perceptions often do not align with reality. His work explores how accurate people’s perceptions about others are, the impacts of inaccurate perceptions, and what occurs when these misperceptions are rectified.
Common Misperceptions
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If we examine the core values that guide our behavior, there’s reason to remain optimistic about societal behavior. A 2022 study of 32,000 people across 49 cultural groups found that values like loyalty, honesty, and helpfulness ranked highest, while power and wealth were considered least important. This study contradicts the belief in moral decline.
Despite differences in nationality, education levels, religious affiliations, and gender, further research showed significant overlap in values across more than 60 nations. The values of Democrats and Republicans, and even those of Leave and Remain voters in the Brexit referendum of 2016-17, were found to be remarkably similar. This offers a contrarian narrative compared to the perceived societal divide.
While these findings are based on self-reports and can be subject to inaccuracies, they provide valuable insight into people’s actual behavior.
Citizens’ Behavior
Several studies suggest that most people behave morally. For instance, a 2020 study analyzing actual public conflicts recorded by CCTV demonstrated that bystanders intervened in nine out of ten conflicts. This pattern of intervention persisted across the Netherlands, South Africa, and the UK.
In less dramatic situations too, people demonstrate considerate behavior. A 2019 study found that in 38 out of 40 countries, lost wallets were more likely to be returned if they contained cash. Furthermore, a 2023 experiment involving 200 people from seven countries revealed that participants spent almost half of the given $10,000 on others and donated a substantial amount to charity.
Despite limited studies tracking behavior change over time, one study did reveal that Americans became slightly more cooperative between the 1950s and the 2010s when interacting with strangers.
Perception vs. Reality
Why does the belief persist that society is in moral decline? One reason could be the media’s focus on negative events, which are also more likely to be shared on social media. Indeed, extreme political views tend to dominate online discussions, contributing to a distorted perception of societal behavior.
While acknowledging that a minority can cause serious harm and that some aspects of public life may be worsening, these trends do not necessarily reflect the behavior or values of the average person.
Misperceptions about societal behavior can discourage people from volunteering or voting. However, studies show that when people realize others share similar values and beliefs, they become more trusting and hopeful. Connecting with friends, acquaintances, and even strangers can help foster a sense of community and well-being. Volunteering, participating in local events, and reading positive news stories can also enhance our worldview.
In conclusion, despite instances of poor behavior, evidence suggests that moral decline is not a broad societal trend. If society collectively refrains from engaging with one another out of fear, we do run the risk of becoming more self-centered. Fortunately, as a society, we have the power to influence our own destiny.
