Stuck on Negative: How Our Brains Amplify Bad News

Why does a single harsh comment overshadow a flood of praise? In this episode, we unpack negativity bias —the brain's hardwired tendency to prioritize negative experiences over positive ones. Discover how this survival mechanism, crucial for our ancestors dodging threats, now skews modern life, amplifying stress, cynicism, and decision-making pitfalls. We'll journey through evolutionary psychology with experts to understand why threats hijack our attention and how social media magnifies this ancient bias. Learn actionable strategies from neuroscientists and psychologists to counteract its grip, from mindfulness to gratitude practices. Whether it's relationships, mental health, or daily choices, find out how to recalibrate your brain's balance. Tune in to transform your relationship with negativity and cultivate resilience in a world wired for worry. Because understanding the bias is the first step toward brighter perspectives.

You can listen to Stuck on Negative: How Our Brains Amplify Bad News online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

Stuck on Negative: How Our Brains Amplify Bad News is an episode from Older But Stronger by Hans Hageman.

This episode is 20:22 long.

This episode was published on Mar 24, 2025.

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