The article explores how people can feel less human after witnessing or participating in cruel behaviors towards others. When those who mistreat others start feeling bad about their actions, they may end up seeing themselves or others as less human. Similarly, people who watch these cruel actions and feel scared or guilty can also start seeing themselves or others in a dehumanizing way. Basically, the study shows that both the ones doing harm and those watching can end up feeling less human after experiencing or witnessing mistreatment.