One of the most common reasons for meanness is due to emotional reaction. In such situations the person may just be reacting without thinking through the impact of their reaction. Therefore, often their focus may not be for the purpose of hurting someone else although it can be.

What causes people to be mean for no reason?

Common triggers for anger may include injustice, stress, financial issues, family or personal problems, traumatic events, or feeling unheard or undervalued. Sometimes, physiological processes, such as hunger, chronic pain, fear, or panic can also provoke anger for no apparent reason.

Why are we mean to others?

Psychologists say that people start being mean to other people when they are angry, sad or hurt or when they were treated poorly by others. Sounds crazy – why do something to others that made you feel bad? Well, they do it because they want to get rid of that bad feeling by giving it to others.