Question

“psychology of evil” questions

1. zimbardo claims that “all evil starts with 15 volts.” what does he mean by this?
2. why do people in the milgram experiments “go all the way to 450 volts” in the experiment?
3. explain the saying, “absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
4. contemplate “social media” (instagram, twitter, facebook, youtube, etc.). providing specific details, discuss how at least 4 of zimbardo’s “7 social processes that grease the slippery slope of evil” may work in social media.

Explanation:

1. In the Milgram experiment, 15 volts was the starting - point of the supposed electric shocks. Zimbardo means that small, seemingly harmless acts (like administering 15 volts) can be the first step on the path to more extreme and evil behavior.
2. In the Milgram experiments, people went to 450 volts due to factors like authority influence (the experimenter's commands), the gradual nature of the task (starting small and increasing incrementally), and a sense of obligation to complete the experiment.
3. The saying "Absolute power corrupts absolutely" means that when a person has complete and unrestricted power, they are likely to be corrupted by it, as there are no checks or balances to prevent abuse of that power.
4. Zimbardo's 7 social processes include deindividuation, moral disengagement, etc. In social media, deindividuation occurs as people hide behind avatars and usernames, leading to more extreme behavior. Moral disengagement can happen when people justify cyber - bullying as "just a joke". Social comparison can fuel envy and negative behavior. Group polarization can lead to the formation of extreme online groups.

Answer:

1. He means small, initial acts like administering 15 - volt shocks in the Milgram experiment can be the start of evil behavior.
2. Due to authority influence, the incremental nature of the task, and a sense of obligation.
3. When power is unrestricted, those who hold it are likely to be corrupted as there are no checks and balances.
4. Deindividuation (hiding behind avatars), moral disengagement (justifying cyber - bullying), social comparison (fueling envy), group polarization (formation of extreme groups).