Psychologists Warn of Negativity Bias Distorting Perception

Humans' evolutionary tendency to focus on negative information shapes societal attitudes, media consumption, and personal well-being.

The 'Negativity Bias' is an evolutionary trait where humans are more influenced by negative events and emotions than positive ones.
Experts suggest this bias once served survival purposes but now contributes to societal challenges such as fear, division, and misinformation.
Research shows that over 90% of daily worries are unfounded, highlighting the disproportionate focus on negative outcomes.
The media and entertainment industries often amplify this bias by prioritizing negative or dramatic content, influencing public perception.
Psychologists recommend fostering awareness of the bias, focusing on positive experiences, and promoting balanced media narratives to counter its effects.