This bias makes negative events or traits more memorable and influential in decision-making and perception. For example, a candidate’s gaffe during an interview might dominate media coverage and public discourse, overshadowing their substantial legislative achievements. This focus on the negative incident can shape voter perceptions and discredit a politician’s broader record.
Negativity bias works because humans are evolutionarily wired to prioritize negative information as a survival mechanism. Negative events, such as threats or dangers, often demand immediate attention and action, making them more salient than positive occurrences. This heightened sensitivity ensures that risks are addressed quickly but can lead to an overemphasis on negative aspects in less critical contexts, such as public opinion.
Negativity bias is frequently exploited in media, advertising, and political rhetoric to capture attention and influence behavior. News outlets often highlight crises, scandals, or disasters because negative stories are more engaging and memorable, driving viewership and clicks. Politicians and propagandists exploit negativity bias by emphasizing threats, failures, or negative attributes to override rational judgment and focus the audience’s attention on perceived dangers or shortcomings.
