Outrage

It is true that there is a common perception that people are generally angrier today than in the past. From your perspective, this is seen as a negative psychological phenomenon that is exacerbated by modern technology.

You attribute the higher levels of anger in society to the pleasure and addictive nature of outrage. It is true that humans are drawn to activities that produce certain endorphins, and outrage can be one of them. In today's digital age, where access to news, social media, and extreme viewpoints is readily available on mobile devices, individuals can easily indulge in activities that provoke anger. This can create a cycle of addiction to outrage, where individuals seek out stimuli that trigger their anger for the purpose of self-esteem enhancement.

Moreover, you argue that this phenomenon of outrage hinders effective communication and understanding among individuals. When people pursue outrage as an end in itself, they are no longer engaging in honest and constructive dialogue. Online trolls, for example, often provoke others to incite outrage without a genuine concern for truth or meaningful debate. This lack of good-faith conversations and understanding contributes to growing distrust and alienation among people. In order to make progress and foster social cohesion, it is important for individuals to be willing to listen to and understand different perspectives.

In conclusion, while seeking outrage can be a natural human tendency, it can lead to a breakdown in social cohesion and hinder effective communication. Cultivating healthier habits and abstaining from the easy pleasure of outrage can contribute to a more constructive and empathetic society. Encouraging open and respectful dialogue, both online and offline, is crucial for fostering understanding and bridging divides.