Schadenfreude facts for kids
Schadenfreude is a German word that means "harm-joy." It describes the feeling of happiness you get when someone else has bad luck or is hurt. It's like feeling good about someone else's misfortune.
Psychologists, who study how people think and feel, believe there are three main reasons why people might feel schadenfreude. These reasons are linked to aggression, rivalry, or a sense of justice.
Contents
Why People Feel Schadenfreude
Aggression-Based Schadenfreude
Sometimes, people feel schadenfreude because they are part of a group, like a sports team or a school club. When a rival group fails, it can make their own group feel stronger or better. This type of schadenfreude is about feeling good when an "out-group" (a group you don't belong to) has problems. It makes your "in-group" (the group you are part of) seem more successful.
Rivalry-Based Schadenfreude
This type of schadenfreude happens when you feel good because another person fails. It's similar to aggression-based schadenfreude, but it's more about individuals. For example, if you and a friend are both trying to win a game, and your friend makes a mistake, you might feel a small sense of joy. This is because their failure makes you feel better about your own chances or abilities.
Justice-Based Schadenfreude
Justice-based schadenfreude is when you feel happy because someone you think is "bad" or "evil" gets what they deserve. It's like feeling satisfied when a villain in a movie finally gets punished. People feel good because they believe the person is getting a fair consequence for their actions. They feel that justice has been served.
Related Feelings
- Self-esteem: How you feel about yourself.
- Jealousy: Wanting what someone else has.
- Revenge: Harming someone because they harmed you.
Images for kids
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A friendly robot.
