Understanding The Negativity Bias

Are we hardwired for negativity?

Your brain is programmed to pay NINE TIMES more attention to negative information compared to positive. 

This isn’t to say that you are hardwired for pessimism, but that from a biological standpoint your brain is looking to protect itself at all times. There is more at risk when it comes to missing a negative stimulus versus missing a positive one. 

So next time you feel that you seem to be more consistently aware of negative feedback, or bad news, know that it’s not you failing to see the good in things – it’s your brain doing its job to keep you safe!