System justification is a cognitive bias where people rationalize and defend the current state of affairs, often resisting criticism or change. In online communities, this bias manifests as loyalty to established practices, norms, or structures, even when alternatives might offer improvement. This tendency can hinder innovation and perpetuate inefficiencies.
Community managers can address system justification by fostering an environment where questioning norms is encouraged and rewarded. Providing clear evidence of the benefits of change and involving the community in discussions about progress can help reduce resistance to new ideas.
In a forum using outdated moderation tools, members may defend the system by arguing it has "always worked" despite its inefficiencies. Moderators can showcase case studies of successful upgrades in similar communities to illustrate how embracing change can enhance the experience for everyone.