"Sadists are those people who take pleasure in the pain others experience. Although sadism has been recognized as a behavioral concern for over 100 years (Krafft-Ebing, 1898), Millon (2011) identified four distinct expressions of sadism, each driven by different psychological needs. Understanding these forms helps us recognize how cruelty shows up in everyday life and in broader social movements. Spineless sadism is marked by insecurity, false bravado, and cowardice."
"Is there a Normal Level of Sadism? Not every spectator at a paramilitary operation or UFC match is a sadist, but many people do possess mild sadistic tendencies. The "everyday sadist" exhibits a willingness to go to some effort to cause suffering for another (Buckels et al., 2013). They may make jokes at others' expense, intentionally humiliate others, set others up for failure, or simply take pleasure in others' misfortune."
Sadism appears in distinct forms—spineless, tyrannical, enforcing, and explosive—each driven by different psychological needs. Many people display mild sadistic tendencies and may harm others through jokes, humiliation, manipulation, or pleasure in misfortune. Cruelty can amplify collectively when group identity, shared emotion, and cultural narratives create emotional contagion that leverages fear, anger, and excitement. Crowds can shift energy rapidly and override individual values, while the need for belonging can push people toward choices that contradict authentic values. Strong love, healthy boundaries, and compassionate communities provide counterforces capable of reducing collective cruelty and protecting individuals.
Read at Psychology Today
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