Virtue signaling
Virtue signaling refers to the act of expressing moral values or beliefs primarily to enhance one's social standing or self-image, rather than from genuine conviction. This term, which emerged in 2015, often carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the individual's statements may be exaggerated or insincere, serving more as a façade than a reflection of true beliefs. Individuals may engage in virtue signaling to align themselves with certain groups, signal their open-mindedness, or create a perceived distance from opposing views. Common examples include social media posts that highlight support for causes without accompanying tangible actions to effect change.
The concept has sparked debate, with some critics arguing that the term oversimplifies complex human emotions and motivations or dismisses valid expressions of support. Others contend that the behaviors labeled as virtue signaling could be viewed simply as attempts to showcase values that resonate within specific social circles. As conversations around this topic continue, it remains a focal point for discussions on authenticity and the impact of social media on individual behavior.
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Subject Terms
Virtue signaling
Virtue signaling is a term used to refer to someone who expresses “virtuous” moral values out of a desire to make themselves look better. It usually carries the negative implication that the person is making false or exaggerated statements that do not accurately reflect their real beliefs. It is also used by people who want to dismiss or downplay another person’s stated position by implying it is false or exaggerated. The term originated in 2015 and quickly became commonplace in broadcast and social media.
Overview
The first use of the term virtue signaling is attributed to British journalist James Bartholomew. Bartholomew used the term in an April 18, 2015, article in The Spectator. Bartholomew was referring to people who claim they hate certain publications as a subtle way of stating their own viewpoints were more open-minded and therefore better than those expressed by the publications. The term was later picked up and used by other journalists. However, it was not always attributed to Bartholomew, which led to others receiving credit for coining the term.
Virtue comes from the Latin virtus, meaning valor, meritorious, or moral perfection. Virtuous behavior is that which is considered good and reflects good qualities in a person. Signaling comes from the Latin signum, which means a mark or sign. The idea of signaling refers to using a symbol or sign to demonstrate something rather than simply say it outright. For example, the color green has become associated with nature, so a soap manufacturer that wants to convey its product is good for the environment might use green on the product’s packaging.
Virtue signaling occurs when people express or support a position strictly to improve how others see them. It often refers to people who make a show of supporting or opposing a cause while doing little to actually help the cause. For example, someone who makes frequent angry posts on social media against a social injustice but never takes any steps to help the victims could be accused of virtue signaling. The rise of the internet and social media platforms make virtue signaling easier to do, easier to identify, and more pronounced.
People may use virtue signaling for a number of reasons. They may simply be a hypocrite who refuses to act on their beliefs. Some may believe that a simple “share” on social media is a way to truly support a cause. Others express their positions because they see themselves as better than people with opposing viewpoints. The desire to be seen as part of a “preferred” group or to create distance from another group may cause some people to virtue signal. Comments that criticize the viewpoint held by opposing groups are also seen as a form of virtue signaling.
Some experts believe that virtue signaling is an incorrect term. They suggest the practices described as virtue signaling are really just a form of showing off that does not need a new term. Others take issue with the term’s implications that the virtuous feelings are insincere. They point out that people’s thoughts and emotions are too complex to be simplified in this way. Still others criticize the term as a way to belittle or dismiss people’s valid viewpoints.
Bibliography
Bartholomew, James. “The Awful Rise of Virtue Signalling.” Spectator, 7 July 2018, www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-awful-rise-of-virtue-signalling/. Accessed 25 Jan. 2025.
Bartholomew, James. “I Invented Virtue Signalling. Now It’s Taking Over the World.” Spectator, 10 Oct. 2015, www.spectator.co.uk/article/i-invented-virtue-signalling-now-it-s-taking-over-the-world/. Accessed 25 Jan. 2025.
Bowman, Sam. “Stop Saying Virtue Signalling.” Adam Smith Institute, 27 May 2016, www.adamsmith.org/blog/stop-saying-virtue-signalling. Accessed 25 Jan. 2025.
Gold, Tanya. “People Who Accuse Others of Virtue Signalling Are Trying to Stigmatize Empathy.” New Statesman America,15 Feb. 2017, www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2017/02/people-who-accuse-others-virtue-signalling-are-trying-stigmatise-empathy. Accessed 25 Jan. 2025.
Jordan, Jillian, and David Rand. “Are You 'Virtue Signaling?'” New York Times, 30 Mar. 2019, www.nytimes.com/2019/03/30/opinion/sunday/virtue-signaling.html. Accessed 25 Jan. 2025.
Mar, Anna. “12 Examples of Virtue Signaling.” Simplicable, 6 May 2024, simplicable.com/new/virtue-signaling. Accessed 25 Jan. 2025.
Mintz, Steven. “What Is the Difference between Virtue and Virtue Signaling.” LinkedIn, 2 Jan. 2023, www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-difference-between-virtue-signaling-mintz-aka-ethics-sage. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.
Pemberton, Becky. “What Is Virtue Signalling? Meaning Origin and Examples—All You Need to Know.” Sun, 8 Mar. 2017, www.thesun.co.uk/living/2701968/virtue-signalling-meaning-origin-examples/. Accessed 25 Jan. 2025.
Shrimsley, Robert. “Once You’re Accused of Virtue Signalling, You Can’t Do Anything Right.” Financial Times, 10 May 2019, www.ft.com/content/cf4d3d5c-7129-11e9-bf5c-6eeb837566c5. Accessed 25 Jan. 2025.