Front Psychol August 2017 PMID 28848484

When Saying Sorry May Not Help: The Impact of Apologies on Social Rejections.

Gili Freedman, Erin M Burgoon, Jason D Ferrell, James W Pennebaker, Jennifer S Beer

Mentions

60
Peak: 3 in Apr 2021
across 4 sources since Jan 2020

Extended reach

2,177,449
potential audience

Total likes

46,013

Video views

1,855,011

Mentions per month

Jan 2020 – Jul 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News46 articles
  • X / Twitter8 posts
  • Blogs4 articles
  • YouTube2 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

Discussions highlight that apologies may sometimes backfire, as seen in comments about how apologies can increase attacks or be perceived as moral permission for harassment, exemplified by phrases like 'apologizing increases the attacks,' and debates about sincerity. The tone varies from skeptical to contemplative, reflecting nuanced views on the social consequences of apologies.

AgreementLow agreement

Most posts express skepticism or disagreement with the idea that apologies are effective in reducing social conflict, reflecting reservations about their actual impact.

InterestModerate interest

Posts show moderate interest, discussing the social and psychological dynamics of apologies and social rejection without deep technical analysis.

EngagementModerate engagement

The discussions engage with examples and opinions, such as the notion that apologies can sometimes worsen attacks, indicating active participation.

ImpactLow impact

The collective sentiment suggests a belief that apologies have limited or even negative effects in social rejection contexts, implying a low to moderate perceived influence.

Abstract in brief

  • Apologies in social rejections can increase hurt feelings and aggressive responses, even though they are often used in rejection scenarios.
  • People tend to feel more pressured to forgive when an apology is involved, but this doesn't necessarily mean they actually feel more forgiving.
  • The studies suggest that apologizing during rejection may not help mend hurt feelings and could even lead to more negative reactions overall.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Eli Vieira
@EliVieiraJr · X

@robinhanson Apologising doesn't work. You should never bend the knee to any form of identity politics, no matter how supposedly well intentioned it is. https://t.co/9Nxri4qk2Y

Jul 2, 2020 · 66 likes · 80,489 followers View post →
Carlos Bauche Madero
@carbauche · X

A propósito de tuiteros y sus disculpas públicas recientes en redes sociales. En ocasiones, disculparse incrementa los ataques, en vez de reducirlos. Como que para algun@s las disculpas nos dan un permiso moral, en donde nos justificamos el linchamiento. https://t.co/F0NMTtnPjz

Apr 11, 2021 · 16 likes · 2 shares · 3,060 followers View post →
GONZALO OLIVEROS
@goliveros · X

RT @carbauche: A propósito de tuiteros y sus disculpas públicas recientes en redes sociales. En ocasiones, disculparse incrementa los ataqu…

Apr 11, 2021 · 2 shares · 236,437 followers View post →
AZR
@XXNZR__ · X

@luluskumloudhe @aggravatingg Oh dont worry https://t.co/LVKA8F0yMY

Jan 21, 2020 · 1,152 followers View post →
Carlos M Enrigue
@CarlosMEnrigue · X

RT @carbauche: A propósito de tuiteros y sus disculpas públicas recientes en redes sociales. En ocasiones, disculparse incrementa los ataqu…

Apr 11, 2021 · 2 shares · 1,025 followers View post →
دیوید دیوید او اس آ
@david2OSA · X

https://t.co/AIi3QXEKNa پ.ن بعضی وقتا

Aug 12, 2020 · 194 followers View post →

All mentions

Carlos M Enrigue
@CarlosMEnrigue · X

RT @carbauche: A propósito de tuiteros y sus disculpas públicas recientes en redes sociales. En ocasiones, disculparse incrementa los ataqu…

Apr 11, 2021 · 2 shares · 1,025 followers View post →
GONZALO OLIVEROS
@goliveros · X

RT @carbauche: A propósito de tuiteros y sus disculpas públicas recientes en redes sociales. En ocasiones, disculparse incrementa los ataqu…

Apr 11, 2021 · 2 shares · 236,437 followers View post →
Carlos Bauche Madero
@carbauche · X

A propósito de tuiteros y sus disculpas públicas recientes en redes sociales. En ocasiones, disculparse incrementa los ataques, en vez de reducirlos. Como que para algun@s las disculpas nos dan un permiso moral, en donde nos justificamos el linchamiento. https://t.co/F0NMTtnPjz

Apr 11, 2021 · 16 likes · 2 shares · 3,060 followers View post →
Tolgahan A.
@tolgahana_303 · X

https://t.co/aYNp7NmHj4 araştırmalara göre birisini reddederken özür dilemek reddeden kişinin daha samimiyetsiz olarak algılanmasına yol açıyor. Bazen özür dilememek sizin psikolojinize de fayda sağlayan bir şey. Doğru zamanda özür dilemeyi bilmek gerekiyor dolayısıyla.

Sep 25, 2020 · 48 followers View post →
دیوید دیوید او اس آ
@david2OSA · X

https://t.co/AIi3QXEKNa پ.ن بعضی وقتا

Aug 12, 2020 · 194 followers View post →
Akiba
@akibashevsky · X

https://t.co/qctIM8tPRC https://t.co/FFhJXM95ut

Jul 2, 2020 · 22 followers View post →
Eli Vieira
@EliVieiraJr · X

@robinhanson Apologising doesn't work. You should never bend the knee to any form of identity politics, no matter how supposedly well intentioned it is. https://t.co/9Nxri4qk2Y

Jul 2, 2020 · 66 likes · 80,489 followers View post →
AZR
@XXNZR__ · X

@luluskumloudhe @aggravatingg Oh dont worry https://t.co/LVKA8F0yMY

Jan 21, 2020 · 1,152 followers View post →