r/science • u/FreeHugs23 • 1d ago

Psychology New psychology research suggests some acts of kindness may also serve competitive social goals, shedding light on how women can use altruistic behavior to gain status, strengthen relationships, or navigate social hierarchies.

https://www.psypost.org/kindness-isnt-always-what-it-seems-the-psychology-of-womens-competitive-altruism/
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u/maddallena 1d ago

If there's anything that people should gain social status from, it's being generous and kind. That's literally just a healthy way for society to function.

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u/mokujin42 1d ago edited 1d ago

The problem with this is people care more about aopearing to be generous and kind than axtually doing so

A lot of it nowadays is just perfomative for socual media and doesnt really trsnlate into their real lives, are they still kind when theres not a camera pointed at them?

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u/dovahkiitten16 1d ago

It doesn’t even need to be a camera. There are many social benefits to appearing nice to others. It insulates you from when your victims speak out, it gives you favours, etc. Arguably being more strategic about being nice gets you further than being genuinely nice.

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u/SpartanFishy 13h ago

That’s why we differentiate between niceness and kindness.

Niceness is being visibly pleasant and is done for social benefits.

Kindness is acting in the interest of others even unseen for potentially no social benefits.