Tourist Misbehavior

In a recent article by Dr. Angie Im, she examines the social contagion of tourist misbehavior and how emotional reactions and shared nationality shape the spread of unethical behavior among travelers. Building on the theory of moral disengagement, the research investigates the emotional mechanisms that drive individuals to justify and imitate observed misbehavior at travel destinations, the researchers received three main takeaways. First, observing tourists engage in misconduct—such as littering, queue-jumping, or taking photos in restricted areas—can increase the likelihood of moral disengagement, prompting others to imitate the behavior. Second, envy toward misbehaving tourists amplifies the tendency to morally disengage, making it easier for observers to justify similar actions. Conversely, feelings of disgust can reduce moral disengagement, though this emotion did not significantly impact the observer’s intent to misbehave in all cases. Finally, the impact of emotional responses is shaped by whether the observer shares nationality with the misbehaving tourist. Disgust toward compatriots strengthens the observer’s moral engagement, decreasing the likelihood of mimicking the behavior. However, envy’s influence on moral disengagement is consistent regardless of shared nationality.

Read the full article, "Feeling envious or disgusted? The contagious affect of tourist misbehavior and the role of shared nationality" on the website of Current Issues in Tourism.