Cognitive Scaffold

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MENTAL MODEL · M4867

Schadenfreude

Schadenfreude
BehaviorHigh supportPsychology
Included
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Feeling pleasure from the misfortune of others. This often stems from relief of envy, a sense of justice (just deserts), or group belonging (the failure of an enemy).

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Hidden social currency. Many viral news stories or gossip essentially sell Schadenfreude. Understanding this allows you to view the public's frenzy over celebrity downfalls more objectively, without being swept up by emotions.

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Schadenfreude is the psychology of feeling secret delight at others' misfortune, stemming from social comparison (others' downfall elevates self), belief in a just world (bad people get what they deserve), and de-identification. It is the inverse of empathy.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SchadenfreudeZH · Explicit
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