Moral licensing

Moral licensing occurs when someone feels they've done something good or ethical, which then gives them a sense of moral permission to act less responsibly or ethically later. For example, after volunteering or making an environmentally-friendly choice, a person might feel justified in indulging in unhealthy eating or neglecting other responsibilities. This psychological effect can unconsciously influence behavior, leading individuals to balance out their good deeds with less virtuous actions, often to maintain a sense of moral equilibrium.