Why Is the News So Negative? (And How It Affects You)

In our last discussion, we explored why our brains fixate on negative events. Now, let’s look at how this shapes the news—and your perception of the world.

Why Is the News So Gloomy?

One explanation is simple: negativity grabs attention. Over time, media outlets noticed that darker stories drew more viewers, so they leaned into them. Another theory? News companies know about our negativity bias and exploit it to keep us hooked. Both are probably true to some degree.

News programs don’t just report—they compete for your focus. The scrolling headlines at the bottom, the side tickers with breaking updates—these aren’t just helpful features. They’re designed to hijack our attention, playing on the same mental triggers as addiction. Whether by accident or design, the result is the same: a news cycle dominated by doom and gloom.

The Business of Bad News

For most media, views equal profit. More eyeballs mean higher ad revenue. Even the BBC, which doesn’t run ads, still cares about ratings—more viewers mean greater influence.

Would a straightforward, fact-based approach be better for our mental health? Probably. But dry facts don’t captivate us. We’re wired for stories—conflict, heroes, villains. News outlets know this, so they frame events in dramatic, morally simplistic ways. Is this intentional? Sometimes. But even journalists aren’t immune to black-and-white thinking.

The Polarization Trap

The most successful outlets don’t just report news—they spin it into gripping narratives with clear “good guys” and “bad guys.” The more polarized the story, the more addictive it becomes. Over time, this shapes how we see the world: divided, hostile, and full of “evil” people.

Ever finish watching the news and think, Why is everything so terrible? That’s not a coincidence. It’s the product of storytelling designed to provoke strong reactions—often at the cost of nuance and truth.

What Can We Do?

If the news leaves you feeling hopeless, it’s worth asking: Is the world really this bad—or is it the way I’m seeing it? Recognizing these tactics is the first step in breaking their hold.

So where does that leave us? Aware, hopefully—and better equipped to consume media without letting it distort our worldview.