Schadenfreude and Gluckschmerz in the Time of COVID-19

As November 3rd approaches, it seems that many of us react to news events through a single prism: how these events will affect the outcome of the Presidential election.

And, when identified tightly to a political party, what makes “us” feel good or bad is the opposite of what makes “them” feel good or bad.

Also, we can feel the opposite of what our moral compass directs us to feel.

Normally, when others suffer, we should feel sad, but instead, the sudden misfortunes of opponents can bring schadenfreude (pleasure in the bad fortune of others).

Normally, when others succeed, we should feel happy for them, but instead, the unexpected good fortunes of opponents can bring gluckshmerz (displeasure in the good fortunes of others).

Curiously, both schadenfreude and gluckshmerz, as social emotions (making them distinct from non-social pleasure and displeasure), have no English vocabulary equivalents. But these emotions exist even so. Think of their prevalence in sports, another domain besides politics where there are intense competitions, championships to win or lose, and many highly partisan fans—whose very identity can be defined by their particular allegiance. Social psychological research shows that highly identified fans can report pleasure (schadenfreude) even over a serious injury to a player of a rival team or displeasure (gluckschmerz) if the player then recovers.

Common emotions though they may be, catching ourselves feeling schadenfreude and gluckshmerz, of course, disturbs our moral conscience, even when we are convinced our political passions are righteous. These are emotions that, in broader company, most people camouflage with crocodile tears in the case of schadenfreude and with pretend pleasure in the case of gluckshmerz. Perhaps, we console ourselves that our schadenfreude and gluckschmerz come heavily mixed with counter, empathic feelings stirred by our better angels.

Interestingly, since the coronavirus has swept over the country, it may be that we are not only feeling schadenfreude and gluckschmerz more, but we are also being less inhibited in expressing these emotions. Especially among the like-minded, “bad” news about opponents often creates the “yes!” feeling of schadenfreude, and “good” news often creates the “no!” feeling of gluckshmerz.

I think it comes from fear and desperation.

Our country has failed in its response to the virus. The comparison with so many other nations is painfully stark. These nations have gathered the collective will to reduce the virus spread, have carefully reopened up their economies, and have sent kids back to school safely while responding rationally to the inevitable and expected new surges.

Are we even close to pulling this off?

Is it not well past time for our nation to get behind a sensible, consistent, science-based plan that brings this unforgiving menace under control?

And then, as Americans, we might all feel a common, open, and authentic displeasure when others suffer and pleasure if others do well—instead of secret and frequent schadenfreude and gluckschmerz as our political identities dictate.