SCIENCE
When to Blow the Whistle on Someone You Love?
Tue Jul 01 2025
Making the choice to report a loved one's dangerous behavior to authorities is a tough call. It's like being stuck between a rock and a hard place. On one hand, you want to protect society. On the other, you don't want to betray someone you care about.
A recent study dug into this dilemma. It looked at different situations like hate crimes, gambling problems, and violent extremism. The study found that people's motivations to report or not report a loved one's behavior varied a lot. It could be as low as 30% or as high as 70%.
The study also found that thinking about the future made people more likely to report. This is because they felt stronger about their duty to society. They also felt more motivated to help their loved one.
But it's not just about society or the person you love. It's a mix of both. The study suggests that people weigh these concerns carefully. They try to find a balance between the two.
This research has big implications. It can help us understand how to support people in these tough situations. It can also help us design better policies and programs to prevent harm.
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questions
Is the anticipated regret factor a psychological tool used to control the decision-making process of gatekeepers?
How does the model differentiate between genuine concern for societal welfare and the fear of legal repercussions?
How do gatekeepers prioritize their relationship obligations versus societal obligations when deciding to report a close-other?
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