Negativity bias is the tendency for people to pay more attention to, and give more weight to, negative information or events than to positive ones. This means that people may be more likely to remember and be influenced by negative experiences, and may be less likely to be influenced by positive ones. Negativity bias is thought to have evolved as a survival mechanism, as being aware of potential dangers and threats can help to protect us from harm.
Negativity bias can have a number of negative consequences, including a distorted view of the world and a tendency to focus on the negative aspects of experiences. It can also lead to negative emotions, such as anxiety and depression, and can make it difficult for people to be happy and satisfied. To avoid negativity bias, it is important to be aware of this bias and to try to focus on the positive aspects of our experiences. This can help us to have a more balanced and accurate view of the world, and can improve our emotional well-being.