outrage culture

Outrage culture describes a social environment, especially online, where people habitually express moral indignation over perceived offenses, slights, or injustices.

The term is typically used critically to suggest that such reactions are performative, disproportionate, or motivated more by a desire for attention than by genuine concern.

The minor joke sparked a predictable wave of outrage culture on social media.

Critics see it as a feature of platforms that algorithmically reward emotional intensity.