social guilt

Social guilt is the feeling of responsibility or remorse that arises when individuals believe they've harmed others or failed to meet social expectations, norms, or moral standards. It often stems from the awareness of one's actions impacting the well-being or rights of others, leading to a desire to make amends or change behavior. This emotion helps maintain social cohesion by encouraging people to act ethically and consider their impact on the community. Unlike personal guilt, which focuses on oneself, social guilt is rooted in how actions affect social relationships and collective well-being.