Why do people like negative news?

Because we've evolved to react to threats, humans have developed what is called a “negativity bias." Like Google, humans are pattern discovery machines; when something stands out, like a threat, our minds highlight it.

Why do people prefer bad news first?

But the same study shows that most recipients of good and bad news prefer to hear the bad news first, if only because that reduces the worry factor: If I know bad news is coming, I'll dwell on that -- and be less likely to take seriously or pay much attention to the good news.

What do you call someone who thrives on bad news?

Doomscrolling and doomsurfing are new terms referring to the tendency to continue to surf or scroll through bad news, even though that news is saddening, disheartening, or depressing. Many people are finding themselves reading continuously bad news about COVID-19 without the ability to stop or step back.

Why do people like sad news?

Consuming Sad Stories May Make You Feel More Grateful

Another reason we enjoy sad stories are that they make us feel grateful, but perhaps not in the way we might expect.

Why is bad news addictive?

Negativity bias keeps us interested in negative news.

Negativity bias is a psychological effect causing us to pay more attention to negative things than positive things.

Why We Like Bad News

Why am I addicted to sad stories?

“Adrenaline is a hormone that produces a powerful, stimulating and addictive effect on the human brain, and the 'jolt' we may experience when reading negative news stories can act like a reward to our internal system,” which explains why we keep reading for more.

How do I stop obsessing over bad news?

Simply taking a walk outside can help combat the gloomy side effects that come from endless scrolling. If you are looking to strengthen your mental health during a time that is quite taxing on the mind, try doing some mindfulness exercises, such as meditating, exercising, or reading a book.

Why do people smile when hearing bad news?

“It could be that that smile during that negative scenario signals to others that you're open for them to approach you, maybe for comfort, maybe to distract you from whatever sadness is going on for you,” she said. See more from the “Every Little Thing” podcast.

Why do people love tragedies?

"People seem to use tragedies as a way to reflect on the important relationships in their own life, to count their blessings," she said. "That can help explain why tragedies are so popular with audiences, despite the sadness they induce."

How does negative news affect the brain?

A steady stream of disheartening news can alter your perception of the world, causing you to lack motivation and view the world with a sense of cynicism and hopelessness. Negative news has the potential to exacerbate your personal anxieties and the stressful situations occurring in your own life.

Why do bad news affect me so much?

Exposure to bad news increases stress and stress can cause or contribute to: Increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Depressive symptoms, like loneliness and hopelessness.

What is bad news syndrome?

This negative spiral — lately dubbed “doomscrolling” — can take a toll on mental health. Studies have linked the consumption of bad news to increased distress, anxiety and depression, even when the news in question is relatively mundane.

What is someone who is always negative called?

Pessimistic describes the state of mind of someone who always expects the worst. A pessimistic attitude isn't very hopeful, shows little optimism, and can be a downer for everyone else. To be pessimistic means you believe evil outweighs the good and that bad things are more likely to happen.

Do people usually want bad news or good news first?

Multiple studies have found that roughly four out of five people “prefer to begin with a loss or negative outcome and ultimately end with a gain or positive outcome, rather than the reverse.” Our preference, whether we're a patient getting test results or a student awaiting a mid-semester evaluation, is clear: bad news ...

How to turn bad news into good?

Is bad news better than no news?

Psychologists have long known that bad news grabs attention, making its recipients take notice, while good news often is given short shrift in the brain. Scientists have explained the phenomenon as a survival mechanism, a part of the brain's wiring adapted to warn of dangers or threats.

Why do I like to watch sad things?

Tyrannosaur, Breaking the Waves and Schindler's List might make you reach for the tissues, but psychologists say they have found a reason why traumatic films are so appealing.

Why does tragedy make you stronger?

Psychologists Richard Tedeschi and Lawrence Calhoun have written about how, after experiencing loss or trauma, people reported feeling a greater appreciation for life, closer to their friends and family, stronger, more spiritual and more inspired. They dubbed this phenomenon “post-traumatic growth.”

What does tragedy lead to?

The overwhelming stress of tragic events can lead to mental health concerns. These mental health concerns may include: Sadness and depression. Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness. Irritability and anger.

How do people react when they hear bad news?

The human response to receiving bad news follows something called the Change Curve. This series of stages progresses through blaming others, blaming oneself, uncertainty, acceptance, problem solving and moving on.

Why do I smile in uncomfortable situations?

A nervous smile is a habit conditioned to happen when you're feeling uncomfortable, angst, anger inside and disguising your true feelings.

Why do I smile when I see people suffer?

If you smiled, you've just experienced schadenfreude, a bit of enjoyment at the misfortunes of others. And now researchers know more about why we experience this seemingly odd emotion. Turns out, it can be a sure way to make you feel better about yourself. It's a self-affirming boost.

Can bad news traumatize you?

Traumatic news can trigger PTSD-like symptoms

You may not know this, but regular exposure to upsetting information can trigger symptoms that mimic post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. Some people refer to this as vicarious trauma.

How do you not let negative news affect you?

Why does bad news trigger anxiety?

Negative news generates increased levels of cortisol in our bodies (your body's main stress hormone) leading to heightened levels of anxiety which we are not designed to sustain.