Original sentence: In recent years, the term has become more commonly used as a pejorative characterization by commentators to criticize what they regard as empty, or superficial support of certain political views, and also used within groups to criticize their own members for valuing outward appearance over substantive action.The term was first used in signalling theory, to describe any behavior that could be used to signal virtue—especially piety among the religious.Virtue signalling is the conspicuous expression of moral values done primarily with the intent of enhancing standing
Edited sentence: In academia the term has been used non-pejoratively.Such pejorative usage is arguably ironical, as demonization of virtue signaling may also be a form of virtue signaling.The term has become commonly used as a pejorative by conservative commentators to criticize empty or superficial support of left-wing or liberal political views, and also used within groups to criticize their own members for valuing appearance over action.This paradoxical feature, in combination with the vague definition of the term has led to suggestions the term is meaningless in everyday political discussion.Virtue signalling is the public expression of opinions that show one's own good character or moral correctness