Last week, a fascinating incident occurred when a tourist submersible, carrying five individuals on a journey to explore the wreckage of the Titanic, lost all communication with its support ship just two hours into the expedition. After an intense week-long rescue operation, pieces of the Titan were discovered on the seafloor, leading investigators to conclude that the passengers likely perished due to a catastrophic implosion of the vessel. This tragic event garnered extensive media coverage, but unfortunately also sparked a deluge of online jokes, memes, and angry comments. Some even went so far as to remark that the world only had one day left to ridicule the incident, referencing the dwindling oxygen reserves of the passengers. It begs the question, what is it about this particular tragedy that evoked such strong and, at times, distasteful reactions?
Schadenfreude, a German term referring to deriving pleasure from others’ misfortune, is a complex emotion that has long been acknowledged. However, in the digital age, it has become increasingly visible, facilitated by the impersonal nature of online platforms. This detachment allows individuals to view another person’s circumstance with emotional indifference and express schadenfreude more freely, without as much guilt or remorse.
To understand the psychology behind schadenfreude, we must first delve into the innate human tendency to engage in social comparison. It is natural for individuals to evaluate their own well-being, abilities, and achievements in relation to others. Schadenfreude may be a way for someone to bolster their self-esteem. When they observe that they are in a better position than others, they may experience a sense of validation for their own choices and circumstances. For instance, someone monitoring the Titan’s situation from the comfort of their home may subconsciously take pride in their relative safety.
Schadenfreude can also stem from the in-group/out-group dynamics prevalent in society. People often form their social identity based on shared characteristics such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, religion, and shared interests. Individuals tend to favorably judge and treat those within their group, and they are more likely to experience satisfaction and a sense of superiority when witnessing the struggles of those outside their group.
Initially, when news about the Titan’s plight broke, most people expressed horror and concern. However, as additional details emerged, less sympathetic messages began to surface. In a world where the majority are simply trying to get by, it becomes challenging for people to relate, let alone feel sorry for a billionaire. Furthermore, the fact that Titan passengers paid $250,000 per seat for an experience that ultimately endangered and claimed their lives only further alienated them. Many users on social media voiced their frustration with the disparity in resources allocated to finding five wealthy individuals compared to the recent Greek shipwreck that carried hundreds of migrants. As British journalist Ashna Sarkar tweeted, “The Titanic submarine is a modern morality tale of what happens when you have too much money, and the grotesque inequality of sympathy, attention, and aid for those without it.”
If schadenfreude sometimes feels particularly satisfying, it is because it activates the brain’s reward centers. Situations infused with retributive justice can trigger an even more potent dopamine high. When news outlets revealed that Stockton Rush, the CEO and pilot of the ill-fated voyage, may have cut corners, bypassed safety measures, and dismissed those who questioned the submersible’s integrity, many individuals online expressed the belief that he got what he deserved. Psychologists argue that occasional experiences of schadenfreude are normal and can be viewed as a demonstration of how our brains have learned to capitalize on our competitors’ weaknesses. However, if left unchecked, it can lead to malicious and harmful behavior.
When we find ourselves deriving pleasure from another person’s misfortune, it is worth taking a step back to examine why we need to witness someone else’s distress to make ourselves feel superior. Engaging in a simple act of self-reflection may help temper our elation and curb our desire to flaunt our perceived superiority over those facing difficult times. Ultimately, the catharsis and validation provided by moments of schadenfreude should not become an excuse to abandon basic human decency.
In the case of the Titan submersible incident, we have the opportunity to express respectful disapproval for how some individuals misuse their privilege while also appreciating how the online mockery shed light on classism. However, we must not forget that there are people mourning the loss of their loved ones. Although we may not be able to relate to the lifestyle of a billionaire, grief is a universal language, and our empathy and compassion for others should know no bounds.
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