Are Brits More Compassionate or Selfish? Unpacking Social Media’s Role in Shaping Perceptions

In today’s digital age, social media platforms are powerful tools that shape our perceptions of societal values. Despite a significant majority of Brits—74%—placing greater importance on compassionate values over selfish ones, a staggering 77% believe their fellow citizens prioritise self-interest. This disconnect raises an important question: why do we hear more about selfishness than compassion on social media?

The Reality of British Values

Research by the Common Cause Foundation reveals that compassionate values such as equality, helpfulness, and social justice resonate deeply across the UK, transcending age, gender, and political affiliations. However, the prevalent belief is that others are more self-centred, valuing wealth, ambition, and public image. This misperception can lead to feelings of social alienation and decreased community involvement.

The Social Media Amplifier

Social media platforms often act as echo chambers, amplifying certain narratives while muting others. Content that is sensational or self-promotional tends to attract more attention, leading to a prevalence of self-enhancing stories over self-transcending ones. This skewed representation can distort our understanding of societal norms, making selfish behaviour appear more common than it is.

Self-enhancing narratives on social media are stories individuals share to highlight their achievements, skills, or desirable qualities, often aiming to present themselves in a positive light. Common examples include:

• Professional Milestones: Announcing promotions, new job roles, or successful project completions to showcase career progression.
• Personal Achievements: Sharing accomplishments like completing a marathon, mastering a new skill, or achieving fitness goals.
• Lifestyle Highlights: Posting about luxurious holidays, dining experiences, or attending exclusive events to portray an affluent lifestyle.
• Philanthropic Activities: Documenting charitable work or community service to demonstrate altruism and social responsibility.
• Academic Successes: Celebrating educational achievements such as earning degrees, certifications, or receiving academic honours.

While these narratives can inspire and motivate others, it’s important to balance them with authenticity and humility to foster genuine connections and avoid creating unrealistic comparisons.

Self-transcending narratives on social media are stories that highlight acts of kindness, community engagement, and personal growth, focusing on collective well-being rather than individual achievements. Here are some examples:

• Community Initiatives: Sharing experiences of organising local clean-up drives, food banks, or neighbourhood support groups, emphasising collective effort and community spirit.
• Acts of Kindness: Posting about helping a stranger in need, such as assisting someone with their groceries or offering support during difficult times, to inspire others to act compassionately.
• Personal Growth Stories: Discussing journeys of overcoming personal challenges, like battling illness or coping with loss, and how these experiences have led to a deeper understanding of life and empathy towards others.
• Advocacy and Awareness: Highlighting participation in social causes, such as environmental conservation or mental health awareness campaigns, aiming to educate and mobilise others for a greater good.
• Expressions of Gratitude: Sharing heartfelt thanks to mentors, family, or friends who have made a significant impact, focusing on the importance of relationships and interconnectedness.

These narratives foster a sense of unity and encourage others to contribute positively to society, creating a more compassionate and connected online community.

The Impact of Misperception

Believing that selfishness is the norm can discourage individuals from engaging in community activities, voting, or volunteering. This sense of disconnection not only affects personal well-being but also undermines social cohesion. When people feel out of step with societal values, they are less likely to contribute positively to their communities.

Challenging the Narrative

To bridge the gap between perception and reality, it’s crucial to highlight and celebrate acts of kindness and compassion. Sharing stories of community support, volunteerism, and altruism can counterbalance the dominance of self-centred narratives. By doing so, we can foster a more accurate understanding of societal values and encourage greater community engagement.

A Call to Action

It’s time to be proud of our compassionate nature. Let’s actively share and promote stories of kindness, both online and offline. By doing so, we can reshape the narrative, highlighting the true values that define us as a society. Embrace and celebrate compassion—it’s more prevalent than we think, and it’s something to be proud of.

Q: Are Brits more compassionate or selfish?

A: Research by the Common Cause Foundation indicates that 74% of Brits prioritise compassionate values—such as equality, helpfulness, and social justice—over selfish ones like wealth and ambition. This trend spans across age, gender, and political backgrounds, highlighting a national inclination towards kindness and community.

Q: If most people value compassion, why do many believe others are more selfish?

A: Despite their own compassionate values, 77% of individuals think their fellow citizens prioritise self-interest. This misperception may stem from the prominence of self-promotional content on social media, which can create a distorted view of societal norms.

Q: How does social media influence our perceptions of others’ values?

A: Social media platforms often highlight sensational or self-enhancing stories, as these tend to attract more attention. This emphasis can overshadow acts of kindness and community, leading to the false belief that selfish behaviour is more common than it actually is.

Q: What impact does this misperception have on society?

A: Believing that others are more selfish can lead to feelings of social alienation and discourage community involvement. When individuals think their values don’t align with the majority, they’re less likely to engage in activities like volunteering or voting, which can weaken social cohesion.

Q: How can we bridge the gap between perception and reality regarding societal values?

A: Actively sharing and celebrating stories of kindness and compassion can help correct this misperception. By highlighting positive actions within our communities, we can foster a more accurate understanding of societal values and encourage greater civic engagement.

Q: What can individuals do to promote compassionate values in society?

A: Embrace and share acts of kindness, both online and offline. By promoting positive stories and engaging in community activities, individuals can help reshape the narrative, highlighting the true values that define us as a society.

Q: Why is it important to be proud of our compassionate nature?

A: Recognising and celebrating our inherent kindness strengthens community bonds and encourages others to act compassionately. Pride in our compassionate nature can inspire positive change and contribute to a more connected and supportive society.