#1
I'm sure we don't need to tell you that seeing too much negative news can make you feel... negative. Unfortunately, most mainstream news outlets focus a lot on the bad happenings in the world. Wars, famine, political unrest, crime, natural disasters and economic downturns are the name of the game.
But overexposure to this type of content can take a toll on your mental health. "Studies show that consistent exposure to distressing news can increase stress levels, contribute to anxiety, and even lead to symptoms of depression," reveals the Insight Mental Wellness (IMW) site, adding that consuming too much of this content reinforces feelings of helplessness and makes the world seem more dangerous and hostile than it is.
Good news, and happy facts, on the other hand, have the opposite effect. You might feel a little, or a lot, more uplifted after scrolling through the posts on this page. And you aren't imagining it. Research suggests that consuming positive news stories can improve mental well-being, foster hope, reduce stress, and promote happiness, notes IMW.
"Positive stories about acts of kindness, scientific breakthroughs, or community success create a (ripple) effect of optimism, helping individuals feel more hopeful and empowered," reads the site.
#2
After the store called animal control, an officer picked him up—but also bought the toy for him.
Just a day later, the Sisu and his treasured toy found a forever home
To break it down further, happy listicles like this one activate your brain’s reward system. The feel-good facts trigger a dopamine release. That's the neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure and reward, also called the "feel-good" hormone; for good reason.
"When we read about things like very inspiring achievements, uplifting, very good stories, or tales of resilience, our brain interprets this as a rewarding experience, boosting mood and motivation," explains IMW.
Think about the Dutch nursing home that provides free accommodation to students in exchange for time and companionship. Or the New York barber who gives free haircuts to the homeless every Sunday. Even those with the stiffest upper lip and iciest of hearts are surely bound to crack a smile...
#3
Happy facts and tales also help reduce the levels of cortisol pumping through our veins. Unlike dopamine, the feel-good hormone, cortisol is known as the stress hormone. "Chronic exposure to stress-inducing news elevates cortisol levels, leading to fatigue, irritability, and long-term health problems," explain the team at Insight Mental Wellness. "Good news counterbalances by reducing cortisol levels, calming the mind, and restoring emotional balance."
Additionally, positive news helps to make us more resilient by acting as emotional “buffer zones.” As IMW puts it, when we are exposed to very uplifting content, it becomes easier to cope with challenges in our lives. Good news reminds us of the potential for positive change, reinforcing resilience in adversity, they say.
#4
“This area is completely without water, so the animals are dependent on humans. If we don’t help them, they will die,” He said. “Last night I found 500 buffalo waiting for water. They literally smelled the water when I arrived and started drinking as soon as I started filling the dry hole. The animals are so excited.”
There has been page GoFundMe set up in his name to help him with his goal providing money for resources. He promises to continue to take care of the animals as much as possible.
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When Nathaniel Lambert of Brigham Young University conducted a series of 5 studies, he found that people who share feel-good stories or news media articles often tended to be happier overall. He also discovered that those who journaled about the happy news developed a more positive mindset and outlook.
A separate 2016 study confirmed that positive news stories bring people more together. And that happy stories help decrease news consumption fatigue while increasing readership and reach.
#8
Years later, this inspired him to launch the Youtube channel
#9
Sustainable business expert Denise Baden did some research where she exposed undergraduate students to positive and negative versions of similar news stories. As the Southampton University site explains, negative stories included the war in Syria and coral reef destruction, while positive stories included peace talks with Iran and oceans becoming cleaner.
"She found that positive news encouraged students to take positive actions, such as adopting pro-environment practices," reads the university's post. "The more anxious or pessimistic the stories made participants feel, the less motivated they were to act."
#10
Established in 2015, the program aligns with the school’s motto, “Men for Others,” and is inspired by a similar ministry at St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland.
#11
Baden then interviewed news editors and journalists. "There was little awareness among them that a focus on negative news might have a negative impact," she said. "Their attitude was 'We need to let people know how terrible things are so they can do something about it.'"
The expert shared the results of her research with the editors and journos, and they were surprised. Some recognized that ‘bad’ news can create feelings of disengagement and powerlessness; others believed positive news had largely been seen as “fluffy” or “propaganda”.
#13
“I want to do something nice for you today,” aiming to boost their confidence and sense of self-worth. He believes that a fresh haircut can instill a renewed sense of dignity, often remarking, “When you look good, you feel good.”
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Through her work, Baden was able to get leading media organisations to adopt new initiatives which focused on positive, solutions-based reporting. The Guardian launched a project that promoted “journalism that focuses on our capacity to act together to make positive change,” while the BBC launched its Solutions-Focused Journalism initiative in 2016.
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