Responses to Celebrity Scandals
Recently, discussions about celebrity scandals have become quite active on social media. In particular, there are many voices calling for zero tolerance regarding issues such as infidelity and coercion in sexual conduct. But where do these reactions come from? I have a friend who is particularly concerned about these issues, and one day while we were
chatting in a café, he remarked, “I can’t tolerate infidelity.” Honestly, at that moment, I felt that his reaction was somewhat excessive. While infidelity is certainly not a good thing, I wondered whether it warranted such intense anger.
The Influence of the Just World Hypothesis
According to him, there seems to be a psychological phenomenon known as the “Just World Hypothesis” at play. Essentially, it suggests that people who strongly believe in the idea that “bad actions lead to punishment” tend to be more sensitive to the scandals of others. He argued that if celebrities were allowed to get away with infidelity, it would lead ordinary people to do the same. I found this to be a reflection of his own sense of justice. However, I also felt a bit taken aback by his fervor. While criticism may be necessary to maintain social order, I wondered if that energy could be better spent on personal growth or supporting others.
Justice Addiction and Self-Reflection
Recently, I came across the term “justice addiction” in an article. This refers to an excessive fixation on one’s own sense of justice, to the point of attacking others or sacrificing one’s own life. When we criticize others on social media, we may actually be asserting our own sense of “justice.” During my conversation with my friend, I could sense a bit of self-satisfaction in his words, as if he was saying, “I am right.” In fact, I was once involved in a wrongful accusation a few years ago, and I was genuinely shocked by the police’s response. I put in so much effort to prove my innocence. Because of that experience, I find it strange that justice seems to exist in a form that only suits me. Of course, it’s important to hold the police accountable for their misconduct, but I question whether it’s wise to expend so much energy criticizing others.
A Question for the Readers
Reflecting on these matters, I realize that our criticism of others is influenced by various emotions and psychological factors. What do you think? If you have any thoughts or feelings regarding reactions to scandals or your own sense of justice, I would love to hear from you in the comments. Your opinions and experiences might help us find a shared understanding of “justice.”
