Empathy Index
Empathy ↔ Indifference
Empathy is the moral foundation of democratic discourse. When citizens recognise each other's shared humanity — even across political difference — they remain willing to lose a political battle without abandoning the system. At comment level this dimension asks: does this comment treat other people as human beings — the people in the report, the people it is about, and the other citizens in the thread?
The 5 Indicators
Each indicator is scored 0–4. Click to expand for detailed scoring guidance and examples.
Perspective-Taking
Does the comment try to see things from others' perspective?
Emotional Recognition
Does it acknowledge and validate the feelings of those affected?
Humanisation
Does it refer to people as full human beings, or as categories?
Solidarity
Does it express active commitment to those most affected?
Anti-Hostility
Is it free of hostility, cruelty, or pleasure at others' suffering?