Virtue Signaling is a term invented by right-wing language consultants. As with everything else, their goal is to contaminate every good thing by giving it a bad name. If you do anyting ethical, noble, or and altruistic your act will be called virtue signaling by the haters.

Firstly I don't know Bertie and have never signalled to him.

Secondly I assumed it doesn't count if you don't know you're doing it.

Thirdly does it count if you are actually virtuous or is that irrelevant?

Is this just another term for bragging, boasting, waving your own flag, skite or big note? Do we need a fancier way of saying "wanker"?

I only learned of the term a year or two ago, when I recognized it perfectly described my ex-boyfriend's need to publicize on facebook and elsewhere his affiliation with volunteer programs and his donations to charity, mostly to seem more appealing to women.

It worked with me, for a while, until I got to know him better personally. I know that he usually bailed on volunteer work parties if it involved real work, and he only donated to causes he could deduct from his taxes. He was very calculated about his generosity.

I'm happy that he donates to causes, but he often does it only partially altruistically and mostly to pump up his self esteem (since he's a liar /cheater) and to look good to new female prospects.

My feeling is that if the only reason one does something is for the "credit" to look good to others, that says a little something about the person, but we all have braggadocious tendencies in some measure, and if the advertising of the charitable contribution (real or fake) at least brings attention and/or more donations to the cause.

I tend to be generous is my own small way, when I can, not caring too much if anyone knows it was me, but me. That's all I need.

First i've heard the term 'virtue signaling', i found it's an urban term for a branch of signalling theory. Interesting.

As you said, many if not all of us apply signalling whether about our virtues, or even our peccadilloes.

Personally i have long believed “Fuck 'em if they can't take a joke.” (attributed to Bette Midler)

I suspect it can only be good for your head to stay away from TV and people right now, so good for you.

I've been aware of the concept of virtue signaling for a while, and know several people who are epic abusers of it, but I hope I don't indulge too much. I try to avoid it unless it's an issue/idea/etc that may benefit from a wider audience.

I don't think so, but I will wave at the ice cream truck.