Jay Van Bavel, an award-winning professor of psychology and neural science at NYU, dives into the psychology behind our online habits. He reveals how doom scrolling and negativity bias harm our mental health while highlighting the role of algorithms in promoting bad news. Adam and Jay discuss strategies for fostering positive interactions online and the urgent need to rethink social media structures. They also explore the balance between patriotism and nationalism, sharing humorous Olympic anecdotes that emphasize unity amid competition.
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Quick takeaways
The rise of the attention economy has led news outlets to prioritize sensationalist content, increasing negative emotions while disengaging audiences.
Emphasizing shared identities, especially in collaborative contexts like sports, can foster unity and cooperation among diverse groups rather than division.
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The Emotional Toll of News Consumption
The emotional landscape of news has shifted significantly, with an increase in fear, anger, and sadness dominating headlines, leading to widespread disengagement from media consumption. The rise of the attention economy has resulted in news outlets prioritizing sensationalist content that triggers strong emotional reactions to drive engagement. This reliance on negative news creates a cycle, where audiences feel overwhelmed and desensitized, ultimately leading many to cut back on news consumption altogether. Understanding this emotional dynamics can help individuals make more informed choices about their media habits.
The Impact of Social Media Algorithms
Social media platforms have algorithms that amplify negative content, with studies indicating that negative news articles generate significantly more engagement compared to positive ones. This phenomenon is reinforced by users sharing content that aligns with their emotions, particularly anger, which in turn boosts visibility and reach for such posts. As a result, the algorithms prioritize sensational content, perpetuating a cycle of negativity within the news ecosystem. Recognizing these underlying mechanisms can guide users in curating their feeds to promote a healthier consumption of online information.
Reframing Identities for Unity
The discussion emphasizes the potential for identities to foster unity rather than division, particularly in contexts like sports, where shared experiences can promote cooperation among diverse groups. While competition can activate nationalistic feelings leading to hostility, moments of camaraderie, such as athletes celebrating each other’s successes, highlight the power of solidarity. Fostering norms that encourage inclusivity within groups can cultivate healthy identities that uplift rather than isolate. This perspective encourages a shift from nationalism to a more positive form of patriotism, combining pride in one’s identity with openness to others.
Jay Van Bavel is an award-winning professor of psychology and neural science at NYU — and he's an expert on the causes of and cures for division. Adam and Jay discuss the science of virality, why bad news often commands our attention, and how we can find common ground around more uplifting content. Jay's latest book, The Power of Us, is out now.
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