We’re facing severe challenges from climate-related disasters such as floods, wildfires, hurricanes, and extreme heat.
On top of that, we are bombarded with a constant stream of distressing news: tragic accidents, harrowing images from brutal wars, random acts of violence in our neighborhoods, fears about a potential World War III, and chilling alarms about the rising threat of authoritarianism right before the U.S. presidential election, which may see the return of climate-change skeptic Donald Trump.
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When we add personal reminders of our own mortality—like finding a grey hair, receiving an unexpected health diagnosis, or witnessing the COVID-19 fatalities among friends and colleagues—we struggle with a sense of fear that can be both surprising and unwelcome.
Attempting to navigate life as mostly responsible adults while being paralyzed by the inevitability of death isn’t a healthy or sustainable approach. Fortunately, our brains have an inherent coping mechanism that is explained by what is known as “terror management theory.”
Coping Mechanisms
Research in terror management reveals that we all have predictable ways to shield ourselves from the awareness of death. Unfortunately, these defenses can also contribute to harmful social dynamics.
Understanding how these defenses operate is crucial to mitigating their negative effects. They often depend on our established identities and whether our awareness of death is conscious or operates in the background.
When we are overtly conscious of death, our defenses may involve denial, rationalization, distraction, and bolstering self-esteem—often through consumption. We may try to uplift ourselves by accumulating resources, negotiating better salaries, or even avoiding taxes, while also shopping to ensure our families are safe.
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Fears about death can also lead to conspicuous consumption, as we seek to project social status and enhance our self-esteem. In the context of terror management theory, wealth is pursued because it can provide safety, and safety translates to a temporary avoidance of death.
When the fear of death is more of an unconscious or “background noise,” the situation grows more intricate and problematic. Some individuals may harden their identities and beliefs about what is just or fair, what they deserve, and whom they will share resources with—often excluding others.
In such cases, we may find ourselves directing greater hostility towards those who appear different from us: immigrants, religious minorities, or even international students. As these defenses take shape, we often blame “others” for the myriad challenges, large or small, that we face or perceive.
This results in heightened social division and polarization, which undermines the potential for leveraging the diverse ideas, perspectives, and experiences of our communities.
(AP Photo/Steve Helber)
The Authoritarian Agenda
When society is permeated by the awareness of mortality—be it during a deadly pandemic or climate catastrophes—authoritarian figures can exploit these fears to gain power, as seen with potential authoritarian leaders like Trump.
Individuals may become more susceptible to the appeals of charismatic leaders who promise safety, order, and a return to “better times.”
Research by German psychologist Immo Fritsche and his colleagues illustrates that climate change has been linked to increasing authoritarian attitudes and support for authoritarian leadership.
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Additional studies indicated that individuals who did not previously exhibit authoritarian behaviors—after considering their political views—showed increased support for authoritarian leadership when confronted with thoughts of mortality.
In another study, Fritsche found an alarming link: increased awareness of death can foster “prejudice, stereotypes, aggression, and racism, which could lead to greater intergroup violence, escalating into conflicts and even wars.”
While this outcome isn’t predetermined, dismissing the impact of mortality-related defenses on societal dynamics is shortsighted and unwise.
Be a Force for Good
So, what steps can we take to counteract the negative outcomes of societal polarization, hostility towards marginalized communities, the rise of authoritarianism, and possible violence?
Here’s some hopeful news: firstly, positive worldviews and identities can be reinforced even in the face of death threats. Those who view the world as a collective community, who are open to others, and who strive to maintain civil society may find their efforts strengthen when reminded of their own mortality. These individuals deserve our encouragement and recognition.
Secondly, one of the ultimate defenses against the fear of death is to foster our self-esteem through positive “hero projects.” In engaging in these endeavors—whether through philanthropy, parenting, creating art or literature, teaching, or advocating for social change—we dedicate ourselves to actions that may not serve our immediate interests but benefit the greater good, persistently overcoming challenges and adversity.
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In our hero endeavors, we may choose to take less and give more, channeling our energy toward outcomes that ideally benefit our communities long after we are gone.
Those who lean into authoritarianism are already skilled at manipulating our fears of mortality for their gain. We have a choice: we can either accept their path to power, or we can acknowledge the effect of mortality fears and forge alternative paths in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead.