Is it normal to feel that empathy for others has gone along the wayside?

81% Normal
5 Comments

I've been reading this site for a long time now and occasionally posting responses and stories but am noticing a recurring theme. is it normal to feel that empathy and sympathy for others seem to have gone along the wayside? It could just b the anonymity of the Internet allowing people to express feeling they wouldn't normal express in person or is it a new trend? I am 32 and I was taught to "put yourself in the other guys shoes" as often as possible. I have taught my kids the same, I think it has given them a wider view of the world and even though my son is in a wheelchair he is more sympathetic to people then many healthy adults/ young adults.
Are people still taught to empathize or at least sympathize? Where did this go? Is it just a part of the online world? Posturing? Help!

Voting Results
81% Normal
Based on 27 votes (22 yes)
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Comments ( 5 )
  • InsertBlankHere
    12 years ago

    The anonymity of the Internet depersonalizes interactions with other people. It's easier to be cruel to a faceless string of text.

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  • jensapa
    12 years ago

    I think people are very selfish these days.

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  • theytookthisone
    12 years ago

    I was taught that way. But I'm not so much a serious person and most of the time I joke...when I joke it seems to be cruel. When I'm serious though, I tend to be more empathetic

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  • howaminotmyself
    12 years ago

    I think this is true for internetland but no so in the real world. At least not my world.

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  • [Old Memory]
    12 years ago

    Sadly, the world is becoming a very sad place :( it's good people like you are still around, and it's amazing you still teach your kids that way. Keep it up and don't let the rest get to you :)

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