Multifaceted Behavior

 The question of why people have a tendency to be mean or cruel towards one another is a complex and multifaceted one that has occupied the minds of psychologists, sociologists, philosophers, and scholars for centuries. Human beings possess the capacity for both kindness and cruelty, and often it is the latter that prevails in various social contexts. People can exhibit mean and cruel behaviors through actions such as verbal abuse, physical violence, manipulation, exploitation, and discrimination. These behaviors are often rooted in deep-seated insecurities, unresolved trauma, power dynamics, or societal conditioning. The complex interplay of individual, social, and situational factors can contribute to the manifestation of such behavior, creating a cycle of harm that perpetuates itself. It is important for us, as intelligent and empathetic individuals, to recognize and confront these patterns of cruelty, working towards fostering a more compassionate and understanding society. Therefore there are a variety of theories and explanations that seek to shed light on this phenomenon, ranging from evolutionary psychology to social learning theories. In this paper, I will explore some of the potential reasons why people exhibit mean or hurtful behaviors towards others, but the question underneath it all, “why do people have to be so mean?”

One possible explanation for why people are sometimes mean may lie in the concept of social competition and hierarchies. Evolutionary psychologists argue that humans, like many other species, have evolved to compete for resources, status, and social dominance. In this context, being mean or aggressive towards others may be seen as a way to establish or maintainone's position within social hierarchies. A social hierarchy functions as a system of organizing individuals or groups based on perceived societal values or characteristics. It establishes a clear structure of power and privilege, with some individuals or groups occupying higher positions and enjoying greater prestige, while others occupy lower positions and face disparities in access to resources and opportunities. This system is often reinforced through cultural norms, institutional practices, and economic disparities, creating a hierarchy that is complex and multi-dimensional. Individuals within a social hierarchy may internalize their positions and identities, leading to the reproduction of inequalities and the perpetuation of social hierarchies over time. Despite the potentially harmful effects of social hierarchies, they play a crucial role in shaping social interactions, group dynamics, and societal structures. Understanding how social hierarchies function can provide insights into social inequality, power dynamics, and the distribution of resources in society. This competitive mindset can lead individuals to engage in behaviors that are harmful or hurtful towards others in order to advance their own interests or secure their own position within the group.

Another potential explanation for why people are mean towards each other lies in the concept of socialization and learned behavior. From a young age, individuals are socialized into certain cultural norms, values, and expectations that influence their behavior and attitudes towards others. If a person grows up in an environment where aggression, hostility, or conflict are normalized or even rewarded, they may be more likely to exhibit mean or hurtful behaviors towards others later in life. In this sense, being mean can be seen as a learned behavior that is reinforced by socialization processes. Though, you may be wondering why culture is so important. Here is why; culture is a complex system of values, beliefs, behaviors, and traditions that shapes the way individuals perceive the world around them and interact with others. It provides a sense of identity and belonging, serving as a foundation for social norms and relationships within a community. Understanding and respecting different cultures is essential for effective communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution in diverse and increasingly globalized environments. 

Additionally, culture plays a crucial role in shaping individual perspectives, attitudes, and decision-making processes. By recognizing the significance of culture, individuals can develop a deeper appreciation for diversity, foster mutual understanding, and promote social cohesion and unity within society. Therefore, culture is not only important for maintaining historical legacies and preserving traditions but also for promoting mutual respect, empathy, and cooperation among individuals from different backgrounds. Though, in some cultures or societies, aggression, dominance, or competition are valued traits that are praised or rewarded, leading individuals to engage in mean behaviors as a way to conform to social expectations or norms. For example Beijing uses intimidation to undermine the sovereign rights of Southeast Asian coastal states in the South China Sea, bully them out of offshore resources, threaten them out of shipping lanes, assert unilateral dominion, and deprive fishermen of access to their livelihoods. In this sense, societal attitudes and norms can create an environment that sanctions or tolerates mean or hurtful behaviors towards others.

Furthermore, individual differences in personality traits and characteristics may also play a role in determining why some people are more prone to being mean than others. For example, research in psychology has shown that individuals who score high on measures of aggression, impulsivity, or narcissism are more likely to engage in behaviors that are harmful or hurtful towards others and according to National Institutes of Health over half of the children who exhibit aggressive behaviors have been left behind and in the process traumatized in some way. These personality traits can contribute to a lack of empathy or concern for the well-being of others, making it easier for individuals to act in mean or hurtful ways without feeling guilty or remorseful.

Additionally, environmental factors such as stress, frustration, perceived injustice, or for example, low blood pressure; in other words being hangry, when blood sugar levels drop, it can lead to irritability, mood swings, and difficulty regulating emotions. This can manifest in behaviors such as aggression, outbursts, and a lack of empathy towards others. When individuals are faced with challenging or difficult circumstances, they may be more likely to lash out at others as a way to cope with their own negative emotions or feelings of powerlessness. In this sense, being mean towards others can be a maladaptive coping mechanism that individuals use to manage their own stress or anxiety.

Moreover, social identity and group dynamics can also play a role in shaping why people are mean towards each other. In-group favoritism and out-group hostility are common phenomena in social psychology that highlight how individuals tend to show more kindness and compassion towards members of their own group while being more hostile or competitive towards members of other groups. This sense of in-group solidarity can create a sense of "us vs. them" mentality that fuels intergroup conflict and hostility, leading individuals to act in mean or hurtful ways towards members of other groups. On top of that, cognitive biases and distortions in thinking may also contribute to why people are mean towards others. Cognitive biases are inherent flaws in our thinking processes that can lead us to make judgments and decisions that are not entirely rational. One common cognitive bias is black and white thinking, where individuals see things in extremes without considering the nuances and complexities of a situation. This type of thinking can be detrimental in social interactions, as it can lead to polarized views and closed-mindedness. Social conditioning further exacerbates this bias, as societal norms and expectations can influence individuals to conform to certain belief systems without critically evaluating them. For example, graduate students must be vigilant in recognizing these biases and actively work to challenge them in order to cultivate a more open-minded and unbiased approach to their studies and interactions with others. The individuals that engage in black-and-white thinking, may view others as either all good or all bad, leading them to demonize or dehumanize those who are perceived as threats or enemies. This distorted thinking can fuel hostility and aggression towards others, as individuals may not see their mean or hurtful behaviors as unjust or immoral.

Besides that, social media and technology have also played a role in why people are mean towards each other. The anonymity and distance provided by online platforms can make it easier for individuals to engage in cyberbullying, trolling, or other forms of online harassment towards others without facing immediate consequences, including doxxing. Though I’d like to talk more about how anonymity escalates the terrible nature presented by what seems like harmless silly little usernames. Online anonymity has become a double-edged sword in the digital age, as it allows individuals to express themselves freely without fear of repercussion, but also enables them to behave in a cruel and mean-spirited manner. The veil of anonymity often leads people to disregard social norms and engage in behavior they would never exhibit in face-to-face interactions. While anonymity can foster honest and candid conversations, it also has the potential to bring out the worst in people, as they feel shielded from the consequences of their actions. In order to mitigate the negative impact of online anonymity, it is crucial for individuals to be mindful of their behavior and to remember that there are real people behind the screens who can be deeply affected by their words and actions. You aren’t just speaking to an avatar; but, a real person.

In conclusion, power dynamics and inequalities within society can also contribute to why people are mean towards each other. Individuals who hold positions of power or privilege may take advantage of what they believe they’ve earned. Which should never be the case. Children and adults alike suffer everyday because of the choices others and possibly even yourself make. “Ignorance is a choice. Hatred is a choice. Violence is a choice. But someone's existence is never a choice, or a fault, and it's certainly not a crime,” (Chris Colfer, A Tale of Magic).