Mentally Stronger with Therapist Amy Morin
139 — How to Be Less Cynical and More Positive About the World with Dr. Jamil Zaki
Sep 2, 2024
Dr. Jamil Zaki, a psychologist and professor at Stanford, shares his insights on rising cynicism and its effects on our well-being. He explores the paradox of human kindness, revealing that despite prevalent negativity, people are becoming more trustworthy. Zaki discusses strategies to cultivate a positive view of others, emphasizing empathy and self-awareness. He also highlights the need to navigate the overwhelming negativity amplified by media, proposing a hopeful skeptic mindset that empowers personal connections and transforms our outlook on humanity.
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Quick takeaways
- Cynicism is increasingly prevalent in society, negatively affecting mental health and social relationships due to a growing distrust in others.
- Strategies like practicing hopeful skepticism and focusing on positive interactions can help individuals develop a more optimistic view of humanity.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Negativity Bias
Humans possess an evolutionary adaptation known as negativity bias, which causes them to pay more attention to negative events and people than to positive ones. This bias served a crucial purpose in ancient times, allowing individuals to remain vigilant against real dangers in their environment. Today, however, this built-in tendency is exacerbated by a media landscape that prioritizes sensationalism and negativity, leading to an addiction to negative information. As a result, many people experience overwhelming feelings when consuming news, often completing phrases about how the news makes them feel with negative emotions like anxiety or depression.
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