#1
#3
It’s not that the world is more negative than positive, it’s that news about the former gets far more attention. Furthermore, people tend to see negative news as more ‘truthful’ than positive stories, even if they aren’t.
Evolution is the culprit behind human beings’ tendency to pay way more attention to negative things rather than positive ones.
This is known as negativity bias or positive-negative asymmetry.
Verywell Mind explains that, generally, people tend to:
- Remember traumatic experiences more than positive ones
- React more strongly to negative stimuli
- Remember insults or criticism better than praise or compliments
- Respond more strongly to negative events
- Think about negative things more frequently.
#4
MiguelAngeloac:
Burkina Faso saved a huge amount of its country by planting trees in areas where the land was drying out, saving a lot of people from hunger and misery. They still have a bad time, but less so.
It is a very interesting country, I had to organize a team between several sister airlines to send equipment for those trees, set up a logistics network that reached Ouagadougou... I feel proud to be the leader of that team
#5
#6
Upskilltc23:
Scotland generated over 100% of its electricity demand from wind on some days last year. Literally more wind than they could use.
The explanation for negativity bias is that throughout human history, paying attention to threats has been central to survival. Folks who were more attuned to danger in their environment were more likely to survive, reproduce, and, thus, pass on their genes to future generations. Being in the know about potential risks is how your brain and psychology try to protect you.
Somewhat ironically, that ‘protection’ isn’t always good for you. Negativity bias can wreck your mental health if left unchecked. For example, it might cause you to dwell on dark thoughts, sap your optimism, and even hurt your relationships with the people you love.
Here’s what you can do to push back:
- Be more self-aware and pay more attention to your thoughts, stopping negative thinking when it begins
- Reframe your experiences, current situations, and how you talk about yourself in a more positive light, so that you don’t ignore good events
- Establish new patterns of behavior when you find yourself ruminating on negative events and outcomes
- Savor and focus on the good moments in your life more so it sticks in your mind
#7
#8
#9
I was top story on BBC News for a day. Thats my claim to fame.
When you find yourself stuck in a negative thought loop, distract yourself by doing something pleasant. You could go for a walk, put on some good music, open a quality book, meet your loved ones, etc.
Meanwhile, Healthline suggests focusing on gratitude and being more mindful of what is important in your life, and what isn’t.
The point isn’t to ignore the realities of the world (including things that are unpleasant to see or hear), but to develop a more nuanced perspective of the world.
#10
#11
I have had serious depression for the past two decades. For the first time in my life over the past couple years, I’ve been doing better. Finally found the right meds, got an incredible raise at my job, and my mom is healthy. Things have improved in many aspects. I danced in the kitchen for the first time ever. It was strange but exhilarating.
#12
Now you can see seals, river porpoises, swans, herons, otters, and other animals swimming there. Yay UK!
Which of these bits of positive news made your day, dear Pandas? What are some other recent good events and breakthroughs that you think everyone should know about?
What’s something thoroughly uplifting, hopeful, and optimistic that’s been happening in your personal life? If you feel like restoring other readers’ faith in humanity, share what you know in the comments at the bottom of this post!
#13
#14
Should help make it easier for our precious bees!
#15
Uilamin:
There is another thing happening with plastics that is arguably both good and bad. Plastic eating fungi and bacteria. The good is that all that plastic waste may become decomposable and end up having a minor long-term issue on the environment, the bad is that plastics will become decomposable and lose one its key properties for why it is so valuable.
#16
#17
Listennevertalk:
Hockey players everywhere rejoice!
#18
Natural_Forever_8044:
Ozone layer is actually healing faster than expected. Scientists think it could be fully restored in our lifetime.
Adelynn2654:
A record number of migrating humpback whales have been spotted off the coast of Australia! In San Francisco, new technologies are being used to prevent them from getting tangled in fishing nets. And in Hawaii, the number of whales has almost reached pre-whaling levels. It's really inspiring: it means that if we want to, we can really protect nature and restore its strength.
#19
books-and-baking-:
Cervical cancer deaths have markedly dropped as well since the introduction of the HPV vaccine.
#20
