In this episode, we’re talking about moral grandstanding — the tendency to use moral talk, social media posts, or public outrage to boost our own reputation rather than genuinely engage with a cause.

From pile-ons and one-upping to exaggerated emotional displays, the internet has created an environment where being seen as “morally right” can become its own form of status. But what does this do to our relationships, our mental health, and our ability to actually address real injustice?

This conversation explores the psychology behind moral grandstanding and how it shows up in current events like the Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni case. 

We’ll get into:

• What moral grandstanding actually is
• The different types: piling on, ramping up, trumping up, and more
• Holier-than-thou attitudes on social media
• Why outrage can feel productive in times of powerlessness
• How constant moral signaling leads to exhaustion and disconnection
• Why we should condemn the behavior, not the person

A messy, nuanced conversation about morality, the internet, and how to stay grounded in public discourse.

RESOURCES MENTIONED: 

Ep. 74 AI is not your friend or your enemy…it’s a computer 

Grandstanding: The Use and Abuse of Moral Talk by Brandon Warmke and Justin Tosi 

Moral grandstanding articles referenced:

https://medium.com/curious/moral-grandstanding-23f6f113ced8

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/talking-about-health/202108/the-challenge-moral-grandstanding

https://thewalrus.ca/the-inescapable-rise-of-moral-superiority/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=referral

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WEBSITE:⁠ theevergreenrx.com⁠

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Disclaimer: Everything posted here is for educational or entertainment purposes only and is not a replacement for individualized medical or mental health treatment. Please reach out to a professional therapist or doctor if you are in need of assistance. Listener questions may be specific to one individuals life or an amalgamation of common experiences and dilemmas.