How effective is online outrage?

In today’s polarized political climate, it is important to consider whether moral emotions like outrage can be harnessed for good. Spring et al. thoughtfully examine the “upsides” of moral outrage, suggesting it can create positive social consequences by catalyzing collective action. To illustrate this, they argue that sharing outrage on social media creates common knowledge and organizes collective behavior around important moral issues. We agree that moral outrage can have positive social consequences, but suggest that online outrage has more downsides than upsides. In particular, online outrage may reduce the effectiveness of collective action, limit participation in the public square, and unproductively exacerbate intergroup conflict