Virtue-signaling

Virtue-signaling is the conspicuous expression of moral values, often with the primary intention of conveying a favorable image of oneself to others. It involves expressing opinions or making statements about ethical issues to signal one's own good character and commitment to social justice, rather than necessarily demonstrating genuine engagement or taking tangible action. The act frequently involves public displays of agreement with popular or fashionable social causes, even if the speaker's actions or beliefs contradict those expressed. Critics argue that virtue-signaling is performative, insincere, and designed to garner social approval rather than bring about positive change. It can manifest through online posts, pronouncements, or symbolic gestures, often lacking substantial practical support for the cause.

Virtue-signaling meaning with examples

• During the climate change debate, Sarah posted several Instagram stories about reducing her carbon footprint, highlighting her use of reusable coffee cups and electric vehicle charging stations. Despite these efforts, she regularly flew for business trips, negating much of her claimed environmental concern. This seeming disregard for environmental concerns undermined her actions, making them appear more performative than genuinely green.
• Following a high-profile case of racial injustice, a celebrity tweeted a statement of solidarity with the affected community and an aggressive condemnation of racial bias. However, previous interviews and actions revealed a history of insensitive remarks, casting doubt on the authenticity of his declared views and making his public stance appear opportunistic and designed to maintain his celebrity status.
• A local politician, aiming to garner support from the youth demographic, frequently used progressive language on social media regarding issues like LGBTQ+ rights and gender equality. But, upon scrutiny, his voting record showed no actual support for the legislation that protected and advanced those same groups. This contradiction made the politician appear insincere and motivated by political expediency.
• The company's marketing team launched a series of ad campaigns that depicted diverse employees celebrating inclusivity. The company's lack of diversity in its senior management roles and the history of the company’s legal settlements regarding discrimination demonstrated the campaign as mere publicity to seem to the public to be on board with social justice issues, but did not affect real action.