The common complaint here is that the signalled motive is usually wonderful and altruistic—in this case SAVING THE WORLD for everyone. Whereas the signalling motive is usually selfish (SHOWING YOU CARE, being a hero, selflessly warning others of the danger—etc).
So—if the signalling theory is accepted—people are less likely to believe there is altruism underlying the signal any more (because there isn’t any). It will seem fake—the mere appearance of altruism.
The signalling theory is unlikely to appeal to those sending the signals. It wakes up their audience, and reduces the impact of the signal.
The common complaint here is that the signalled motive is usually wonderful and altruistic—in this case SAVING THE WORLD for everyone. Whereas the signalling motive is usually selfish (SHOWING YOU CARE, being a hero, selflessly warning others of the danger—etc).
So—if the signalling theory is accepted—people are less likely to believe there is altruism underlying the signal any more (because there isn’t any). It will seem fake—the mere appearance of altruism.
The signalling theory is unlikely to appeal to those sending the signals. It wakes up their audience, and reduces the impact of the signal.