Biased Towards Negativity: Why It Doesn't Mean We're Stuck There

Concentrating solely on what's wrong can obscure solutions.

In recent days, the American economy took a substantial dip, the Environmental Protection Agency declared a shift away from its environmental responsibilities, and the chatter online focused on celebrity news. Yet, amidst the steady stream of news that swings between grave and trivial, another narrative is quietly evolving. It’s understated, unfolds gradually, less sparkling, yet it’s significant. This is the narrative of advancement.

Celebrating Positive Developments

Not long ago, I introduced 'Good News,' a weekly newsletter from Vox aiming not to ignore our challenging reality, but to place it within a wider, more meaningful context. Just recently, this newsletter got special attention from Unexplainable, our science-focused podcast.

It's not merely a matter of media bias — even though, as I acknowledged to Unexplainable's Meradith Hoddinott, this is undeniably a factor. After over two decades in journalism, I've observed that media serves as a sentinel, alert to problems. Yet, there's a more profound reason: our innate susceptibility to negativity. As humans, we are evolutionarily primed to notice dangers, a trait that once ensured our survival but now often traps us in cycles of alarming news.

Exploring Cognitive Biases

In the podcast episode, Meredith and I delved into this psychological tendency, showcasing stories of authentic progress frequently overlooked. For example, contrary to rising crime concerns, the murder rate in the U.S. shows signs of reaching historical lows. Moreover, although climate change impacts worsen and multi-billion dollar disasters occur more frequently, statistics reveal a surprising decline in life loss due to extreme weather globally in early 2025 compared to any similar timeframe previously.

Why highlight such developments, often viewed as unremarkable? Because concentrating solely on broken aspects can prevent us from seeing what can be improved. Realistic optimism isn't synonymous with naivety; it's crucial. It forms the basis for believing that even grand challenges can be overcome, thereby spurring action.

In writing the Good News newsletter, I've witnessed how optimism can function as protection, equipping us to tackle a daunting, sometimes intimidating future with enhanced perseverance.

A Balanced Perspective

Good News emerged as a natural extension of our endeavors at Future Perfect, aiming to present an honest depiction of the world's realities—both negative and positive. We invite you to listen to the episode; it unpacks the science behind negativity and the overlooked strength of hope. Remember to subscribe to Good News for more insights.