Online shaming is not just about justice, survey links it to status seeking
Public criticism on social media can often lead to online vigilantism that involves humiliating individuals. Numerous studies reveal that schadenfreude can motivate individuals to support public shaming. Moral grandstanding may lead people to express their outrage for social prestige rather than genuine concern. Spectators reinforce the normalization of online humiliation, promoting it as an acceptable form of accountability.



