The Internet Loves Getting ‘Cheaters’ Fired, But I Worry We’re Missing The Point

Meanwhile, Thomas Roulet, a fellow and director of studies in psychology and behavioural science at King’s College, Cambridge, says that “If someone’s personal life affects their professional performance and engagement, yes, we could definitely consider HR interventions (it could be a warning, or go as far as getting fired).” 

The same goes if their performance and judgement are affected by the relationship, he added. 

But I don’t think unfairly prying and overly moralistic internet commenters keep those rules in mind in their hunt for a perceived “bad guy” – Astronomer’s Senior Director of People is proof that many of us make the court of public opinion far too punishing, despite using inconsistent “laws.” 

That misses the point; it’s all about power dynamics. 

As it happens, piling on an (again, likely innocent) woman who you believe to have gotten her promotion based solely on hiding an affair without any evidence whatsoever is not exactly the best use of our collective power. 

I fear the “reward” of firing a person armchair warriors believe to have cheated has left some to believe that their beliefs about adultery, whether grounded or not, ought to result in indiscriminate real-life action.

Personally, I don’t think that unkind quest has anything to do with accountability; we are confusing our own amateur sleuthing for genuine, professional investigation. 

Just because the two might sometimes have the same result, though, does not mean it’s fair to equate them.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!