“If It Bleeds, It Leads: How Negativity Bias Drives News Consumption” Negativity bias is our brain’s tendency to focus more on negative information than positive. The news industry heavily leverages this bias to capture attention and drive engagement. Headlines featuring crime, conflict, disasters, or controversy tend to get more clicks, views, and shares because they trigger emotional responses like fear or anger. News outlets compete for attention in a crowded space, so emphasizing the worst-case scenario often wins. Even “breaking news” alerts are framed with urgency and negativity. While it boosts short-term traffic, overuse can create fatigue or distrust—so ethical balance is crucial. Still, this bias shapes what gets published and what we remember.
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