Negativity bias describes the phenomenon where negative information or experiences have a more intense and lasting impact on our thoughts and emotions compared to positive ones.
From an evolutionary perspective, paying close attention to potential threats, such as predators or other dangers, increased the chances of survival.
However, in today’s world, this bias can cause us to react strongly to negative news or events that may not directly affect us, leading to heightened anxiety and stress. Media and social platforms often exploit this bias to capture attention and elicit emotional responses.
This is a means of population control underscoring the need for a healthy media diet.