Bruce Sasserdote

Join economist Bruce Sasserdote from Dartmouth and NYU researcher Steve Rathje as they unpack the deep-rooted negativity bias in U.S. media. They discuss how sensationalized coverage, especially during the pandemic, fuels public anxiety and undermines trust in journalism. Discover how social media algorithms amplify this negativity for clicks while ignoring more positive narratives. With insights into the implications of this cycle, Sasserdote and Rathje advocate for a shift towards fostering a more optimistic outlook on society and media.

Guest Bruce Sasserdote, an economist at Dartmouth, reveals how U.S. media exploits our negativity bias for profit, particularly during COVID-19 coverage. Steve Rathje, a Cambridge PhD candidate, discusses the virality of negative messaging on social media and its impact on political polarization. Together, they explore why sensationalist narratives dominate journalism and what this means for public perception. The conversation emphasizes the need for more balanced reporting and the potential for encouraging positivity amidst pervasive negativity.