Khaberni - Amid a continuous stream of negative news about wars and economic crises around the world, our perception of reality is no longer what it used to be. According to experts, the human mind tends to focus on what might go wrong more than what might succeed, a tendency that is not only linked to personality but also to how the brain itself works.
The specialist, Sandra Hernandez Jimenez, explains that this tendency is due to what is known as "negative bias," an ancient mechanism that prioritizes threatening stimuli over positive ones. According to a study published in the journal "Psychological Bulletin," this bias was an evolutionary feature that helped ancient humans survive, as detecting danger early was more important than noticing opportunities.
However, in the modern age, this pattern can become a burden, leading us to see reality in a more pessimistic way. According to experts, the brain not only fears harm but also shuns ambiguity. Studies on anxiety show that uncertainty can be more distressing than knowing a confirmed bad news, as the brain sometimes prefers a clear threat over open possibilities.
This is partly due to the brain's nature as a major energy consumer, using about 20% of the body's energy at rest. With unclear information, it has to exert more effort to re-estimate and analyze, creating a sense of stress.
Historically, our ancestors made quick decisions based on limited information, assuming the worst as a means of survival. This "internal radar" still operates today but can lead to hasty conclusions that increase anxiety rather than reduce it.
Experts note that the human brain does not reflect reality as it is, but interprets it according to its expectations and experiences. With a lack of information, it may fill the gaps with negative thoughts, making awareness of this bias a fundamental step in restoring psychological balance.
