There are more ways to support friends and family than ever before, but given the volume of information we consume, it’s also easier than ever before to look the other way, especially when the other person can’t reciprocate.

In a recent study from Washington University in St. Louis, the researchers propose that many individuals resolve their internal conflict when faced with helping others by pinpointing shortcomings in the person in need.

Judging misfortune

During the study, test subjects were presented with various made-up news stories portraying instances of misfortune, such as a person getting into a car accident while texting, someone being shot due to an unsecured gun, or an individual attacked by a bear while hiking. While participants believed these stories to be real, each scenario was crafted to assess their empathy and willingness to assist. After reading each story, participants were asked to rate the victim’s character and level of blame for the incident.

In certain experiments, participants were given the opportunity to donate part or all of their compensation (up to 60 cents) to help the victim. In others, they were asked if they would hypothetically be willing to use their own money to assist the person. Post-experiment, participants were assured that the stories were fabricated for the study.

The results indicated a general lack of generosity. For instance, in one experiment, participants offered an average donation of about 15 cents to the victim, which was less than a third of the maximum possible amount. Analyzing data from multiple experiments revealed an interesting trend: the more character flaws participants perceived in a victim, the less inclined they were to donate.

Changing assumptions

Contrary to an old assumption about human nature, a new perspective is gaining ground. Back in the 1960s, psychologists thought people were hesitant to help those facing misfortune because they believed the world was fair, and bad things only happened to those who deserved them.

Now, researchers suggest a more nuanced approach. Instead of assuming all victims somehow brought their misfortune upon themselves, people seem to be more inclined to look at each case individually.

“If we tell you someone got burned in a kitchen fire, you might feel sympathetic initially. But chances are, at some point, you or someone else will suggest they must have done something foolish,” the researchers explain.

This tendency to find fault can take a darker turn, as Boyer notes. While the study didn’t delve into this aspect, he points out that victims of sexual assault often face criticism for their clothing choices or perceived risky situations, shifting blame from the perpetrator to the victim.