Well-intentioned harm

Heard in 2 episodes across 2 shows since Jun 2026

Well-intentioned harm refers to situations where actions, policies, or interventions designed to help or protect individuals or communities inadvertently cause negative outcomes or exacerbate existing problems. This concept is closely related to the sociological law of unintended consequences, the economic 'cobra effect' (perverse incentives), and the medical concept of iatrogenesis. It highlights the critical gap between benevolent motives and actual, sometimes counterproductive, real-world impacts.