Description: “There’s relentless pressure to prove you’re ‘EA enough’—that your ideas are rigorous, your career or donation choices optimal, and your cause prioritisation well-reasoned. I’ve been told directly that this movement might not be a good fit for me, which felt like a polite way of saying I’m not competent enough. I’ve seen posts and comments getting downvoted significantly for slight mistakes. Even when influential EAs are being friendly or supportive, I sense they’re still evaluating my competency beneath the surface. The frequent discussions about performance reinforce this feeling that everyone is constantly being assessed. I know completely judgement-free environments don’t exist, but EA leans heavily towards being overly judgmental. This makes it hard for me to relax and be authentic in EA spaces.”
I don’t know if this will be a useful comment but putting it here anyway. Personally, and most other people who feel like they are being judged too much or have too much performance pressure in EA, often do it themselves. I think there is a causation in how EA material and dynamics can facilitate people being more self-critical than is healthy, and to me that seems like a much more common problem than being judged by other EAs. (Didn’t notice a survey question that would measure the thing I’m trying to point at here.)
Description: “I feel genuinely accepted in EA spaces without needing to constantly prove my worth or EA credentials. I know completely judgement-free environments don’t exist, but EA leans towards being appropriately judgmental on things that matter most, like honesty and respect. There’s encouragement to share ideas and ask questions in the EA Forum even if they might only get a few upvotes. People have made it clear that the movement benefits from diverse perspectives and that there’s no single way to be ‘EA enough.’ Even when interacting with influential EAs, the conversations feel genuine rather than like evaluations. Whilst people do discuss ideas and approaches critically, it feels like intellectual engagement rather than personal assessment. This creates an environment where I can contribute authentically without fear of being found inadequate.”
5. Judgement
5.a. I sense constant evaluation and judgment
Needs not fulfilled: acceptance, authenticity
Associated emotions: fear, tenseness, shame
Description: “There’s relentless pressure to prove you’re ‘EA enough’—that your ideas are rigorous, your career or donation choices optimal, and your cause prioritisation well-reasoned. I’ve been told directly that this movement might not be a good fit for me, which felt like a polite way of saying I’m not competent enough. I’ve seen posts and comments getting downvoted significantly for slight mistakes. Even when influential EAs are being friendly or supportive, I sense they’re still evaluating my competency beneath the surface. The frequent discussions about performance reinforce this feeling that everyone is constantly being assessed. I know completely judgement-free environments don’t exist, but EA leans heavily towards being overly judgmental. This makes it hard for me to relax and be authentic in EA spaces.”
I don’t know if this will be a useful comment but putting it here anyway. Personally, and most other people who feel like they are being judged too much or have too much performance pressure in EA, often do it themselves. I think there is a causation in how EA material and dynamics can facilitate people being more self-critical than is healthy, and to me that seems like a much more common problem than being judged by other EAs. (Didn’t notice a survey question that would measure the thing I’m trying to point at here.)
5.b. I feel accepted and can be authentic without constant evaluation.
Needs fulfilled: acceptance, authenticity
Associated emotions: confidence, security, calmness
Description: “I feel genuinely accepted in EA spaces without needing to constantly prove my worth or EA credentials. I know completely judgement-free environments don’t exist, but EA leans towards being appropriately judgmental on things that matter most, like honesty and respect. There’s encouragement to share ideas and ask questions in the EA Forum even if they might only get a few upvotes. People have made it clear that the movement benefits from diverse perspectives and that there’s no single way to be ‘EA enough.’ Even when interacting with influential EAs, the conversations feel genuine rather than like evaluations. Whilst people do discuss ideas and approaches critically, it feels like intellectual engagement rather than personal assessment. This creates an environment where I can contribute authentically without fear of being found inadequate.”