Moral luck refers to the phenomenon where external circumstances beyond an individual’s control influence how their actions are morally judged. In online communities, this bias can manifest in discussions about responsibility or ethics, where judgments are swayed by outcomes rather than intentions. This often leads to disproportionate praise or blame based on results instead of fairness.
Community managers can address this by fostering a culture of evaluating actions and intentions separately from outcomes. Encouraging discussions that explore the broader context behind actions can reduce bias and lead to more balanced perspectives.
In a decision-making forum, a user might blame someone for an unforeseen project failure, ignoring the good intentions and uncontrollable factors involved. Moderators can guide the conversation toward understanding the complexities of the situation and focus on constructive learning.