Value drift in the effective altruism movement: a qualitative analysis

Abstract

The term ‘value drift’ refers to a change in one’s values, particularly a shift from altruistic values toward values that conform with societal expectations. This paper examines the phenomenon of value drift within the effective altruism movement, which aims to use reason and evidence to maximize the good people do in the world. Interviews with 18 members of the effective altruism community found that, though the majority do not report experiencing significant value drift, those who do often cite a loss of connection to the community, competing values, and burnout as possible explanations. These results suggest that actively engaging with the effective altruism community, setting realistic expectations for one’s involvement, and maintaining good mental and physical health are all potential strategies for mitigating value drift. – AI-generated abstract