The Empathy Crisis: Why Americans are caring less and what we can do about it
Monday, July 22, 2024.
Concern and care for others' feelings are virtues we seek to instill in our children, yet they are sorely lacking in many adult Americans today.
There's scientific research to back up the notion that Americans are caring less for others and more about themselves.
Sara Konrath, PhD, an associate professor of philanthropic studies at Indiana University and director of the Interdisciplinary Program on Empathy and Altruism Research.
Sarah has a lot to say about our current state as a culture, and I heartily agree with her.
Let’s discuss why empathy is declining and what we can do to create more kindness and caring in our communities..
Dr. Konrath received her PhD in social psychology from the University of Michigan. Konrath is the director of the Interdisciplinary Program on Empathy and Altruism Research (iPEAR), a research lab with a primary focus on motivations, traits, and behaviors relevant to charitable giving, volunteering, and other prosocial behaviors.
Her work has been published in top scientific journals and has been featured in national and international media outlets.
The Decline of Empathy
Scientific studies have shown a steep decline in empathy among young people from 1979 to 2009. Dr. Sara Konrath has explored this phenomenon extensively, finding that American college students self-reported lower levels of empathy over time. This trend has been accompanied by a rise in narcissism among young people, suggesting a cultural shift towards self-centeredness.
Nature vs. Nurture: The Roots of Empathy
Research indicates that empathy has both genetic and environmental components.
About half of the empathy a baby is born with is genetically influenced, while the other half is shaped by parenting, schooling, community, and cultural context.
Even newborns display basic forms of empathy, like crying in response to another baby’s cries, which is a building block for more mature empathy.
Animal Empathy and Its Evolutionary Role
Empathy is not unique to humans.
Other animals, including primates and even rats, exhibit forms of empathy.
This suggests that empathy evolved as a mechanism to keep infants alive and strengthen social bonds, which are crucial for the survival of many species.
Cultivating Empathy
There are numerous ways to increase empathy within individuals and communities.
Motivational factors are crucial; people must want to become more empathetic.
Reading fiction, for example, helps folks imagine other people's lives and perspectives, thereby increasing empathy. Engaging in the arts, nurturing animals or children, and practicing compassionate behaviors are also effective methods.
The Impact of Social Media on Empathy
Dr. Konrath’s research has found that narcissistic folks tend to use social media more frequently, as it fits their need for attention.
However, empathetic people also use social media, often to connect and support others. This suggests that technology itself is not inherently harmful to empathy; rather, it reflects the user's intentions and behaviors. However because of the overrepresentation of narcissists online, social media’s empathetic dimensions are dimmed.
Empathy and Altruism in Philanthropy
While Americans donate significant amounts to charity annually, recent trends show that the bulk of this giving comes from wealthy donors, with a decline in donations from average folks. This shift may reflect broader cultural changes and economic pressures on younger generations.
Empathy as a Health Benefit
Research has shown that volunteering and giving time are associated with lower mortality rates, suggesting that these activities benefit both mental and physical health. This might be due to the biological effects of caregiving, which include increased oxytocin (a bonding hormone) and reduced cortisol (a stress hormone).
The Future of Empathy Research
Dr. Konrath and her team continue to explore the dynamics of empathy and altruism, using innovative approaches like mobile apps to foster empathy in younger generations. By prioritizing empathy in parenting, education, and community interactions, society can work towards reversing the trend of declining empathy.
Final thoughts
The decline in empathy among Americans is a complex issue with deep cultural and economic roots. However, by understanding and addressing these factors, we can create a more compassionate society.
I am deeply encouraged by Initiatives like Dr. Konrath’s empathy-building programs. I hope it has an impact fostering greater kindness and caring in our communities.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
REFERENCES:
Konrath, S., O'Brien, E. H., & Hsing, C. (2011). Changes in Dispositional Empathy in American College Students Over Time: A Meta-Analysis. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 15(2), 180-198.
