Global moral trends in the information era

Global moral trends in the information era are characterized by a complex shift rather than a simple improvement or decline Verified Answer #1. While global moral frameworks have generally expanded regarding inclusion, autonomy, and equal dignity, the public institutions and trust systems required to coordinate moral life have weakened Verified Answer #1. This phenomenon is described as "moral liberalization with social fragmentation" Verified Answer #2.

Temporal Context

The "information era," defined by majority global internet access, is a relatively recent development Verified Answer #1. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) reported that the global threshold of 51.2% of the population being online was crossed in 2018 Verified Answer #1. Because this majority-internet period is short, researchers rely on long-running survey series that began before this threshold to identify continuing value trends Verified Answer #1 Verified Answer #2.

Indicators of Moral Expansion

Several metrics suggest an improvement in how societies extend moral concern and rights to individuals Verified Answer #2.

• Outgroup Inclusion: Acceptance of homosexuality rose significantly in many countries between 2002 and 2019, including the United States, South Africa, Japan, and South Korea Verified Answer #1.
• Emancipative Values: There has been a long-term shift toward autonomy, gender equality, tolerance, and public voice, though these trends vary by region and age cohort Verified Answer #1.
• Reduction in Coercion and Violence: By 2023, 113 countries had abolished the death penalty for all crimes, and 145 were abolitionist in law or practice Verified Answer #1.
• Child Marriage: The global share of young women married in childhood decreased from approximately 1 in 4 to 1 in 5 over a ten-year period ending in 2023 Verified Answer #1.
• Universalism: Global norms have shifted toward human-rights universalism and the rejection of overt discrimination and interpersonal violence Verified Answer #2.

Indicators of Social and Civic Decline

Despite improvements in individual rights and tolerance, other ethical dimensions show stagnation or deterioration Verified Answer #1 Verified Answer #2.

• Gender Equality Limits: Data from 2023 indicates that nearly 9 in 10 people globally still hold at least one bias against women, and almost half believe men make better political leaders Verified Answer #1.
• Erosion of Trust: Indicators of generalized social trust and confidence in institutions are often flat or worsening Verified Answer #2.
• Civic Deterioration: Civic-democratic ethics have worsened in many regions, leading to a lack of shared moral consensus Verified Answer #1 Verified Answer #2.
• Polarization: Many democracies are experiencing increased polarization and the rise of antagonistic political identities Verified Answer #2.