Negativity Bias: Why the Bad Outweighs the Good

Why do we hold onto the one negative comment when we’ve received a dozen compliments? Why does embarrassment replay in our minds years later, while joyful moments fade too quickly? This is the power of negativity bias — the brain’s natural tendency to notice, remember, and react more strongly to the bad than the good.

In this slide show, we break down the science of negativity bias, show how it shows up in everyday life, and explore the evolutionary roots that once kept humans alive — but now often leave us anxious, self-critical, and stuck. You’ll see examples like the 'Velcro for bad, Teflon for good' effect, how one critique can outweigh nine praises, and how negative news stories capture our attention more than positive ones.

Most importantly, we share strategies to balance the scale: mindfulness practices to notice the spiral, gratitude techniques to shift attention, and savoring the good long enough for it to stick. By the end, you’ll walk away with practical tools and reflection questions to re-train your brain, so the positives count just as much as the negatives.