1. Apathy

2. What is Apathy
Absence or suppression of passion, emotion, or excitement; lack of interest in or concern for things that others find moving or exciting
Comes from Greek Stoics
Desire to control emotion through mastery of logic
Logic=Good; Emotion=Bad
Caring was seen as an emotional reaction to a situation and therefore considered to be a negative trait
Apathy considered a goal for stoics

3. Areas of apathy Psychology
Helps deal with stimuli that is too difficult to take in – coping mechanism
Too much apathy considered a disorder associated with depression and PTSD
Lack of motivation or will to do anything
Harmful to self/self care
Social
Lack of interest in social events or gatherings
Often affects work place morale
Social Psychology
Bystander effect – people in groups tend to not help individuals in need
Lack of involvement is more likely as number of bystanders increase
Bystanders aren’t necessarily apathetic but often feel as though someone else will intervene – comes off/appears apathetic and has the same effect

4. Academic
Students often experience apathy towards school
Lack of intrinsic motivation/interest in subject or learning
May only be motivated by grades or just “getting by”
Political
Indifference to political issues
Can come from lack of trust of politicians
Contributes to low voter turn out
Can lead to stagnation in government
Can aid government corruption – Doesn’t hold politicians or government accountable

5. Effects of Apathy Lack of awareness
Events, politics, issues, skills/education
Lack of action
Voting, change (social, personal, societal, moral)
Psychological
Cope with stress, function everyday, depression