Why Do We Engage in Negativity? (And What To Do About It)

I recently returned to social media by opening a Twitter account and was immediately assaulted with negativity. I wondered, "Why do we engage in negativity?"

What I found out was actually no surprise. 

Humans have a negativity bias. We notice and remember things we don't like or that hurt more than ones that are pleasing because it helps us to survive. Those who react more quickly and assertively to perceived danger are more likely to survive. 

So, it's normal. It's natural. We're hard wired to do it. 

And it makes us really unpleasant company and more unhappy. So, what do we do about it?

We can't control what other people do and say, but we do have a choice in how we want to present ourselves. Here are some tips for navigating in negative spaces and how to deal with it when it's coming from you!

Unhappiness and undesirable things happen. It's a fact of life. Sometimes we have to deal with things that we don't like. So, there are times when we are going to grump and complain. It's okay. Just know what balance and resilience are indicators of healthy frustration. 

If negativity is a habit, it may be an indication of something more serious. Maybe you have depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or even post traumatic stress disorder. These things can make put you on high alert for danger so that it's all you see.