The Psychology of Mockery: Why Some People Derive Pleasure from Others’ Distress

Why do some people take pleasure in mocking others when they’re in distress? Why is public ridicule so normalized in sports, politics, and online spaces? In this episode of The Psychology of Us, Professor RJ Starr explores the deep psychological forces behind mockery, from cognitive biases and emotional deficiencies to social reinforcement and the illusion of superiority.

Mockery is often mistaken for strength, but beneath the surface, it reveals an avoidance of vulnerability, a struggle with emotional intelligence, and an attempt to assert dominance over emotions that make the mocker uncomfortable. This episode examines why some individuals engage in habitual ridicule, how it affects their own emotional well-being over time, and what we can do to break the cycle of cruelty and detachment.

Whether you’ve been on the receiving end of mockery, have witnessed it in your social circles, or want to better understand why this behavior persists, this episode offers a powerful, thought-provoking exploration of what it means to engage with emotions in a mature and meaningful way.

Tune in for an in-depth psychological analysis of why mockery thrives—and what it costs those who participate in it.

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