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The slang term “virtue signaling” is a relatively new term being thrown around the internet. If you have encountered this phrase being used and were left wondering what it means, then you have made it to the correct page to find out what you need to know. Here you will not only find out the meaning of this phrase, but you will also see some information about its origin and usage.
You will also have the chance to read over some example conversations that feature the phrase being used correctly to help you gain a deeper understanding. Finally, the piece is summed up with some alternative words or phrases that you can use interchangeably with the original phrase to mean the same thing.
“Virtue Signaling” Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
- “Virtue signaling” refers to the act of publicly expressing opinions or sentiments intended to demonstrate one’s moral values or social awareness, often to gain social approval or appear more virtuous. This term is often used in a critical sense, implying that someone’s expression of support for a cause or their display of morality is more about gaining praise or social status than about genuine conviction or action.
“Virtue Signaling” Meaning
The term means to proclaim one’s standards, morals, or beliefs in any type of public setting so that everyone knows your moral standing on a specific topic. It is done by a person to prove how much better they are than everyone else and not done out of the want or desire to fix a problem.
Origin of this Terms
This term has been used since at least 2013 when it first appeared in a blog on the site LessWrong. It was used in the blog to describe why people could not get along in certain social circles. It was later used again for similar reasons in a 2015 article published in The Spectator by journalist James Bartholomew. In the article, Bartholomew pointed out that signs in a Whole Foods market and statements made about the hatred of banks were a clear example of this term.
Usage of “Virtue Signaling”
Social Media Posts
- Suggests that the person is sharing their charitable acts primarily to gain social approval or admiration.
- “His constant posts about donating to charity feel more like virtue signaling than genuine support.”
In Discussions of Activism
- Used to critique companies that promote eco-friendly messages without substantial efforts toward sustainability.
- “Some brands use environmental messaging as virtue signaling rather than making meaningful changes.”
In Political Commentary
- Used to imply that a politician is making statements to appear morally superior without backing them up with concrete actions.
- “That speech sounded like pure virtue signaling—lots of grand statements but no real policy proposals.”
Criticizing Performative Support
- Refers to people showing temporary support for social issues online, sometimes viewed as shallow or insincere.
- “Changing your profile picture for a cause can feel like virtue signaling if there’s no real action behind it.”
Discussing Consumer Choices
- Used to point out that purchasing environmentally-friendly items can sometimes be more about projecting an image than a lifestyle change.
- “Many people buy eco-friendly products as a form of virtue signaling without fully committing to a sustainable lifestyle.”
In Conversations About Moral Superiority
- Used to describe behavior that may seem like an attempt to appear morally superior.
- “Her constant mentions of her vegan diet come off as virtue signaling rather than genuine lifestyle advice.”
In Critiques of Media and Entertainment
- Used to suggest that certain messages in a film or TV show feel forced or aimed at showing moral correctness over authentic storytelling.
- “That movie’s plot felt more like virtue signaling than storytelling.”
As a General Criticism of Public Statements
- Used to reflect on the difference between sincere support and performative actions done for approval.
- “Not all public displays of support are virtue signaling, but sometimes it does feel like people are just doing it for likes.”
Related Terms to Virtue Signaling
- Moral Grandstanding: Expressing one’s moral views publicly in an exaggerated or self-righteous way to gain admiration or attention rather than to effect real change.
- Tokenism: Making a symbolic effort to appear inclusive or supportive of a cause, often to avoid criticism, without making substantial changes (e.g., hiring one minority employee or making minimal changes for diversity).
- Woke Washing: When brands or individuals adopt progressive language or support social causes superficially to improve their image, without genuinely committing to those values.
- Performative Activism: Engaging in social justice actions or campaigns mainly to enhance one’s image or appear socially conscious, rather than out of sincere commitment to the cause.
- Greenwashing: A form of virtue signaling specific to environmental issues, where a company or individual promotes themselves as environmentally friendly without making significant efforts to reduce their environmental impact.
- Slacktivism: Engaging in minimal effort actions, like sharing posts or changing a profile picture, to appear supportive of a cause without meaningful involvement or action.
- Hollow Gesture: Making an empty or symbolic act that looks good on the surface but lacks substance or impact, often used in social and corporate contexts.
- Allyship Theater: A term criticizing individuals or organizations who publicly show support for marginalized groups but don’t take meaningful steps to help, emphasizing appearance over substance.
- Optics: In this context, it refers to making decisions or statements based on how things will look to others rather than on real intentions, often to maintain a positive public image.
- Poser: In a more general sense, a person who pretends to hold certain beliefs or values to fit in or gain approval, without genuinely subscribing to those beliefs.
Synonyms for this Phrase
There are several alternative ways to say this phrase that are synonymous with the original. Some other ways you could state the same thing include:
- moral posturing
- publicly expressing your morals and beliefs
- showing off your moral opinions to gain attention for yourself and not about the actual topic at hand.
Examples of Virtue Signaling
A conversation between two friends.
- Friend 1: James is always quick to interject conversations and declare his opinions and morals publicly.
- Friend 2: What is so wrong with that?
- Friend 1: Nothing, but it gets annoying at times when he makes me feel like I am wrong for feeling the way I do, especially about topics where we don’t see eye to eye.
An online discussion between two Facebook users.
- User 1: I don’t agree with this at all. It is morally disgusting to abort a baby at any time during pregnancy.
- User 2: Well, that is a clear case of virtue signaling. Not everyone agrees with you.
- User 1: Agree or not, I am right and they are wrong. Anyone who believes differently is the problem with society today.
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