What is Altruism-Media and Mass Communication-Handout, Exercises of Mass Communication

Download What is Altruism-Media and Mass Communication-Handout and more Exercises Mass Communication in PDF only on Docsity! What is Altruism Altruism is the devotion to the welfare of others. The word has gradually come into more general use. In philosophy altruism describes a theory of conduct that aspires to the good of others as the ultimate end for any moral action. In theories of ethics altruism is the antithesis of egoism (self-interest). Altruism is selfishness in reverse. An altruistic person is concerned and helpful even when no benefits are offered or expected in return. Microsoft Encarta Dictionary © 2005 defines altruism as:- Selflessness: an attitude or way of behaving marked by unselfish concern for the welfare of others. Belief in acting for others’ good: the belief that acting for the benefit of others is right and good. Circumstances That Enhance Helpfulness Social scientists have described a number of ways which lead to circumstances enhancing helpfulness. Some of which are given as under: 1. Reduce ambiguity, increase responsibility 2. Guilt and concern for self-image Research suggests that we can enhance helpfulness in two ways. First, reverse those factors that inhibit helping. We can take steps to reduce the ambiguity of an emergency situation or to increase feelings of responsibility (by reducing feelings of anonymity or increasing self-awareness). We can even use reprimands or the door-in-the face technique to evoke guilt feelings or a concern for self-image. Reduce ambiguity, increase responsibility Assisting people to interpret an incident correctly and to assume responsibility can increase their involvement. docsity.com The potency of personal influence is no longer in doubt. Robert Foss surveyed several hundred blood donors and found that neophyte donors, unlike veterans, were usually there at someone’s personal invitation. Personal appeals for blood donation are much more effective than posters and media announcements, if the personal appeals come from friends. Nonverbal appeals can also be effective when they are personalized. Henry Solomon and Linda Solomon confirmed the benefits of reducing anonymity. They found that bystanders who identify themselves to one another by name, age, and so forth are more likely to offer aid to a sick person than anonymous bystanders. Helpfulness also increases when one expects later to meet the victim and other witnesses again. Anything that personalizes bystander a personal request, eye contact, stating one’s name, anticipation of interaction increases willingness to help. Personal treatment probably makes bystanders more self-aware and therefore, more attuned to their own altruistic ideals. People made self-aware by acting in front of a mirror or TV camera exhibit, increased consistency between attitudes and actions. By contrast, “de-individuated”. People are less responsible. Thus, circumstances promoting self-awareness, name tags, being watched and evaluated undistracted quiet should also increase helping. Guilt and Concern for self-image People who feel guilty act to reduce guilt and restore their self-worth. People also care about their public image. Labeling people as helpful can also strengthen a helpful self- image. After they had made a charitable contribution. To examine the consequences of guilt, social psychologists have induced people to transgress; to lie, to deliver shock, to knock over a table loaded with alphabetized cards, to break a machine, to cheat. Afterward, the guilt-laden participants may be offered a way to relieve their guilt; by confessing, by disparaging the one harmed, or by doing a good deed to offset the bad one. The results are remarkably consistent; People will do whatever can be done to expunge the guilt and restore their self-image. docsity.com