Why Do People Behave Badly? Exploring the Psychology Behind Excuses and Circumstances
The Psychology of Bad Behaviour
Why do people behave badly? Whether it’s a colleague passing the buck, a commuter cutting in line, or a friend avoiding responsibility with a weak excuse, the reasons often trace back to two driving factors: challenging circumstances and the ease of getting away with it. Excuses act as both a shield and a smokescreen, enabling thoughtlessness to thrive while leaving accountability in the dust.
Let’s face it: bad behaviour is the rotten fruit of a society that’s gotten far too comfortable with “good enough”. People don’t just behave badly; they’ve perfected it into an art form, armed with excuses so flimsy they could be blown over by a disapproving glare—if only anyone cared to glare anymore.
How Excuses Shape Behaviour
People rarely admit they’re wrong. Why take the uncomfortable route of self-reflection when a convenient excuse is just lying there, begging to be used? Excuses are the currency of the lazy, the entitled, and the downright indifferent. Here’s how they work:
-
"I didn’t realise it was a problem."
This classic comes from people who’d rather plead ignorance than put in two seconds of thought. Littering? “Oh, someone will clean it up.” Ignoring a friend’s need for help? “I didn’t think it was a big deal.” Translation: "I’m too lazy to care."
-
"I don’t have time."
A favourite of queue-jumpers and deadline-dodgers alike. It’s not that they’re actually busy—it’s that their time is inherently more valuable than yours. Skipping ahead in line with a smug “Sorry, I’m in a rush”? Congratulations, you’re a textbook example of someone mistaking their urgency for importance.
-
"It’s not my job."
The anthem of the workplace shirker. Have an unpleasant task on your plate? Casually hand it off to a colleague with a faintly apologetic smile and a vague, "You’re better at this anyway," knowing full well it’s not true. After all, why do something when you can make someone else—probably someone already overworked—deal with it? If there were an award for teamwork sabotage, this excuse would take gold.
Excuses are nothing more than a refusal to confront the consequences of one’s own laziness. They’re not explanations; they’re a masterclass in self-justified mediocrity.
The Situational Triggers of Bad Behaviour
Even good people can behave badly—and by “good people,” we mean those who in general act slightly less like huge pricks in their daily lives. Why? Because situational pressures are the ultimate get-out-of-jail-free card. Here’s what pushes people into the abyss:
-
Stress and Overwhelm:
Stress doesn’t just distort judgement; it demolishes it. Under pressure, people transform from civilised adults into tantrum-throwing toddlers. The barista gets snapped at, the colleague is ignored, and it’s all chalked up to being “so busy.” Spoiler: being stressed doesn’t make you special—it makes you careless.
-
Peer Pressure and Social Influence:
The herd mentality is alive and well. Laugh at an unkind joke during a meeting? Sure, it’s easier than risking your precious social standing by speaking up. Welcome to the world of moral compromise—where fitting in is more important than standing for something.
-
Convenience Over Conscience:
Cutting corners is the bedrock of bad behaviour. Whether it’s skipping compliance steps or ghosting a friend because replying is “just too much,” convenience is the excuse that keeps the selfish thriving.
-
Moral Licensing:
Ever met someone who thinks their one act of charity gives them a lifetime pass to behave badly? “I donated to a food bank—so what if I’m rude to my waiter?” Congratulations, you’ve met the king of cognitive dissonance.
Bad behaviour thrives when circumstances provide the perfect cover. And let’s not forget: some people don’t even need a cover—they’ll misbehave just because they can.
Excuses Across Contexts and Their Impacts
Excuses don’t just stop at words—they fuel actions. Here’s how they worm their way into every corner of life:
-
Workplaces:
"I didn’t get the email." Translation: "I’m hoping you’re gullible enough to believe I’m not just dodging work." Combine that with "It’s not my job," and you’ve got a surefire recipe for workplace toxicity. These excuses don’t just reflect laziness; they signal a complete lack of respect for the team. Delegating unfairly isn’t about efficiency—it’s about making sure someone else does the drudgery you think you’re too important for.
-
Social Settings:
"I was only joking!" The ultimate get-out clause for being an unrepentant prat. Passive-aggressive digs, unkind jabs—all excused under the banner of humour. But here’s the punchline: it’s not funny, it never was, and they absolutely know it. Their comedy routine? It’s just a thinly veiled excuse for being awful.
-
Public Transport:
Manspreaders and loud talkers who cry, "I didn’t notice," aren’t oblivious—they’re indifferent. Shared spaces demand shared respect, but for some, respect is optional.
Excuses create a domino effect. One small “pass” leads to bigger infractions, and before you know it, you’re living in a world where bad behaviour is standard.
The Lasting Consequences of Excuses
Excuses might feel like the easy way out, but their impact is anything but. Here’s what they leave in their wake:
-
Relationships:
Trust is a fragile thing, and excuses are a wrecking ball. Over time, people stop believing you, and when they do, good luck rebuilding that bridge.
-
Workplaces:
Excuses breed resentment. When one person dodges responsibility, the burden falls on everyone else, eroding morale and productivity. And no, the free pizza at team meetings won’t fix it. Constantly claiming "I’ll get to it" while letting tasks pile up until someone else is forced to step in might seem clever, but it’s just weaponised incompetence in action. If your strategy is to be so unreliable that others handle your responsibilities, congratulations—you’ve hacked teamwork into resentment.
-
Reputation:
People remember patterns. If your go-to is "It wasn’t my fault," don’t be surprised when you’re left out of future opportunities. The world doesn’t reward the deflector; it rewards the doer.
-
Community Dynamics:
Small acts of inconsideration snowball into systemic issues. Littering, queue-jumping, and public rudeness aren’t isolated events—they’re a reflection of a society that’s stopped holding itself accountable.
Excuses don’t just excuse behaviour; they legitimise it. And once legitimised, it’s nearly impossible to roll back the damage.
Conclusion: Understanding Bad Behaviour
Bad behaviour stems from a combination of external pressures, internal justifications, and sheer apathy. Situational challenges like stress, social influence, or convenience often push people into actions they might otherwise avoid. But let’s not kid ourselves: plenty of bad behaviour happens simply because people know they can get away with it.
Real integrity isn’t built on excuses; it’s built on accountability. The world doesn’t need more justifications for bad behaviour—it needs people willing to own their actions, even when it’s hard. Because at the end of the day, the question isn’t whether you’ve behaved badly. The question is: what are you going to do about it?
Get the book!
.png "127 Reasons Why You Are An Idiot review quote")
Comments
Post a Comment