Schadenfreude and the spread of political misfortune

Abstract

Schadenfreude is a social emotion that describes one’s happiness at the misfortune of others. Because people experience schadenfreude to different extents, it can also be considered a trait. The present research aimed to develop a trait measure of schadenfreude and investigate the relationship between schadenfreude and political downfalls. We developed an item pool and used exploratory (Study 1) and confirmatory (Study 2) factor analyses to establish a 12-item, two-factor schadenfreude measure: benign and malicious. We also assessed its test–retest reliability (Study 3) and convergent validity with related measures (Study 4). Findings supported a two-factor schadenfreude measure that produced valid and reliable scores (Studies 1–4). In an experiment, we found a positive correlation between episodic—but not trait—schadenfreude on spreading news of a politician’s downfall (Study 5). Using a 3 (Political affiliation: Democrat, Republican, or other) × 3 (Manipulated condition: Democrat, Republican, or CEO) design, we examined the extent to which participants’ schadenfreude predicted their intentions and choices to share an embarrassing news story about a politician or CEO via social media. Schadenfreude can be assessed as a reliable trait—one that may help us predict why some people intend to spread news of embarrassing political failures.

Schadenfreude and life satisfaction: effect of anger and aggressiveness

“…We have considered this single item due to the fact that this research takes into consideration the aggression-based schadenfreude. We have chosen to use single item schadenfreude measure due to current psychological measurement debates (Crysel, & Webster, 2018;Watanabe, 2019;Cecconi, et al, 2020).…”

A superiority–inferiority hypothesis on disparagement humor: The role of disposition toward ridicule

“…Sometimes people tend to experience malicious joy when they read embarrassing news about a CEO or politician, especially if the politician is from an opposing political party and not from their own political party (Crysel & Webster, 2018).…”

“…For instance, in German cabarets, artists bring socially powerful people (such as politicians or celebrities) into a downward position that enables the audience to experience malicious joy (i.e., schadenfreude) (Titze, 2016). Sometimes people tend to experience malicious joy when they read embarrassing news about a CEO or politician, especially if the politician is from an opposing political party and not from their own political party (Crysel & Webster, 2018).…”

Discussion Network Activation: An Expanded Approach to Selective Exposure

“…One reason for this may be schadenfreude, or happiness at the misfortune of others. Some news consumers may look to spread news of a politician's embarrassment to gloat in the face of their out-party social contacts (Crysel & Webster, 2018). Another reason individuals may share news they find congenial with out-partisans is with aim of persuading them (Thorson, 2014).…”

“…Some research suggests that pro-attitudinal news is more likely to be discussed with one's in-group to stimulate bonding (Ellison et al, 2007). However, studies on selective sharing (An, Quercia, & Crowcroft, 2014;Aruguete & Calvo, 2018), particularly regarding congenial and uncongenial factchecks (Shin & Thorson, 2017), suggest that individuals will be more likely to discuss "good news," (rather than "bad news") about their party with the other side, whether to persuade or to gloat and self-gratify (Crysel & Webster, 2018). H1.…”