The Linguistic Intergroup Bias

The Linguistic Intergroup Bias is a psychological tendency where people describe members of their own group and other groups differently based on their behavior. Usually, they use more positive and abstract words for behaviors that are consistent with their group stereotypes, and more negative or concrete words for behaviors that challenge these stereotypes. For example, they might say "kind" for their group's positive actions but describe an out-group's negative behavior with more specific, less favorable terms. This bias helps people reinforce their existing beliefs and maintain a positive view of their own group while subtly criticizing others.