prosocially

Prosocially is an adverb describing actions undertaken in a way that benefits other people or society, often used in psychology, sociology, and organizational behavior to characterize how individuals behave in social situations. The term derives from prosocial, meaning oriented toward the welfare of others. When someone acts prosocially, the behavior is intended to help, support, or cooperate, sometimes at a personal cost.

Prosocial behavior includes helping, sharing, comforting, cooperative problem solving, volunteering, and charitable giving. Researchers distinguish intrinsic motivations (empathy, moral values) from extrinsic motivations (rewards, social approval) and examine factors that increase or decrease prosocial acts. The empathy-altruism hypothesis posits that empathic concern can lead to helping in a prosocial manner. Social norms, reputation concerns, and reciprocal altruism also influence decisions to act prosocially. Conversely, costs, fear of harm, or perceived unfairness can reduce such behavior.

Methods to study prosociality include laboratory experiments, field studies, and longitudinal surveys. Common findings highlight the bystander effect, where the presence of others reduces helping, and the role of anonymity and diffusion of responsibility. Prosocial actions can be contingent on context, such as whether helping is voluntary or mandated, and whether actions are perceived as genuine or strategic.

Applications span education, workplace ethics, public policy, and health interventions aimed at increasing cooperative behavior. Critics note that prosocial actions may be motivated by self-serving goals or manipulated messaging, and caution against overgeneralizing findings across cultures.