What does prosocial mean?
Prosocial is an adjective for people, behaviours, organisations, or media that promote cooperation, kindness, or the welfare of others. In social psychology, it most often refers to actions that provide benefits to another person or group, such as sharing resources, helping a stranger, or comforting someone in distress. The word can also describe attitudes and intentions, as in “prosocial motivation,” where a person acts partly because helping others is personally rewarding. Its sense is broader than simple friendliness: prosocial behaviour may be deliberate, social, or moral, and it often carries a positive connotation while acknowledging that people can have mixed motives. The term is especially useful in discussions of education, psychology, public policy, and online platforms because it distinguishes concern for collective welfare from merely being sociable or popular. Knowing it helps explain how communities and technologies can encourage constructive cooperation without implying that every friendly act is altruistic.
adjectivePromoting cooperation, kindness, or the welfare of others; cooperative or beneficial to society.
- Promoting cooperation, kindness, or the welfare of others.
"The charity uses prosocial messaging to encourage people to help their neighbours."
"Teachers can reinforce prosocial behaviour by rewarding cooperation and considerate classroom conduct."
"The platform developed prosocial features designed to reduce harassment and encourage constructive discussion."
Prosocial turns the simple idea of helping others into something social scientists can study, measure, and encourage.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does prosocial come from?
Prosocial entered English in the 20th century, especially through the terminology of social psychology. It combines the Latin prefix pro-, meaning “forward” or “in favour of,” with social. The element social ultimately derives from Latin socius, meaning “companion” or “ally,” which also underlies cognates such as society, sociable, associate, and association.
Related word forms
How prosocial is actually used
Primarily used in academic and professional contexts, especially social psychology, education, and media studies. It is broader than merely friendly or sociable and may describe intentions, attitudes, actions, or systems intended to benefit others.
Easily confused with prosocial
Prosocial behaviour promotes the welfare or cooperation of others, whereas antisocial behaviour is hostile to or harmful toward them.