How do we differentiate between genuine empathy and love for the world and simple virtue signalling?

If USA weren't the one safeguarding (contentious but please read on) the world and its modern interests then we would end up with something much worse.

If you only focus locally, it is quite easy to dismiss any form of killing, any form of surveillance and any form of inconvenience. This is "Defund the Police" meme all over again.

I gain social points by showing my disgust against the killings and murder done by the west. I gain nothing by promoting what they safeguard and promote that is necessary for the world to function. Such dynamics will lead to self ownage at the long run but social status points for oneself in the short term.