Time poverty increases self‐dehumanization through undermining belief in free will

Abstract

The chronic experience of time poverty is a widespread global phenomenon with detrimental effects on cognition and well‐being. However, its impact on individuals' perceptions of their own humanity remains unexplored. We hypothesized that time poverty exacerbates self‐dehumanization by undermining belief in free will. Across four studies ( N  = 994), we tested this hypothesis. Study 1 demonstrated a positive correlation between time poverty and self‐dehumanization. Study 2 found that recalling a rushed experience heightened self‐dehumanization compared with both the low and the control conditions. Study 3 employed a measurement‐of‐mediation approach to examine the mediating role of belief in free will, with Study 4 further establishing the causal mediation effect of belief in free will through a manipulation‐of‐mediator design. Notably, these effects persisted after controlling for potential confounds, including scarcity‐related factors (financial poverty, perceived socioeconomic status, objective time poverty and low social connectedness), an individual‐difference factor (money prioritization) and an affective factor (general mood). These findings illuminate the unforeseen psychological costs of an accelerated lifestyle, emphasizing the profound impact of time poverty on self‐perceptions.