Psychol Bull May 2008 PMID 18444702

Not all emotions are created equal: the negativity bias in social-emotional development.

Amrisha Vaish, Tobias Grossmann, Amanda Woodward

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Mentions

139
Peak: 1 in Feb 2020
across 5 sources since Feb 2020

Extended reach

36,090
potential audience

Total likes

21

Video views

164

Mentions per month

Feb 2020 – May 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News102 articles
  • Blogs21 articles
  • X / Twitter10 posts
  • YouTube3 videos
  • Facebook3 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions generally affirm the significance of the negativity bias, with comments like 'nearly everyone ignores the good ones, nobody forgets the bad,' indicating recognition of its pervasiveness. Participants also express curiosity and concern, with requests for resources or reflections on societal impacts, using language that balances casual observations with an understanding of the bias's influence on emotions and behavior.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge the validity of the negativity bias concept, with some expressing support for the article's claims, though with casual or humorous tones.

InterestHigh interest

The majority of the posts demonstrate high curiosity and engagement, referencing additional resources and reflecting on personal or societal implications.

EngagementModerate engagement

Participants delve into reflections on the emotional toll of negativity bias and share thoughts, showing moderate depth, such as comparing it to pilots ignoring good landings or discussing social implications.

ImpactModerate impact

Many posts recognize the importance of understanding this bias, especially in emotional or social contexts, indicating the discussions could influence perspectives or future conversations on emotional development and mental health.

Abstract in brief

  • Adults tend to focus more on negative information than positive because it has evolutionary benefits, helping with survival and threat detection.
  • The authors believe this negativity bias is present even in early childhood and infants, especially seen in how babies look to caregivers for social cues.
  • They explore how this bias develops over time, its functions, and suggest ways for future research to better understand its role in child development.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
ジョージ
@orpelas · X

生まれつきネガティブな理由とは? 脅威に満ちた環境を生き延びる術。古代人の生活には捕食、飢餓、伝染病、暴力が日常茶飯事で臆病になる必要があった。今はライオンに襲われることも悪天候で飢餓に苦しむこともない。ネガティブな本能だけが残った。性格の問題じゃないよ https://t.co/I1Krg2seYs https://t.co/GRdUVS49od

Sep 20, 2021 · 7 likes · 1,842 followers View post →
Pawan Sahu
@pawansahu2060 · X

I was reading up on the concept of "Negativity Bias" Would mean a lot if you all could attach any resources/articles for the same that might be helpful example: https://t.co/MiWOdLZ7pI

Oct 4, 2022 · 4 likes · 18 followers View post →
Jacko
@Jaakkiiee · X

@AndresAddiction Según psicólogos, por que somos humanos “y así somos” ... https://t.co/C2yhXbTcpA https://t.co/fYJmbfdZPq

Feb 21, 2020 · 3 likes · 4,192 followers View post →
Jebro
@JebroUnity · X

@JoshStrifeHayes We like to focus on the bad as humans. Have a read of this for example. "Not all emotions are created equal: The negativity bias in social-emotional development" Negative bias is a bastard. On another note, there are MANY that appreciate what you do. https://t.co/7Szog6Xkwa

Mar 24, 2024 · 2 likes · 4,579 followers View post →
Matthew Rehrl MD
@MatthewRehrl · X

@kjdelay1 Sadly, this negativity bias can be emotionally taxing, but not dissimilar to pilots and landing: nearly everyone ignores the good ones, nobody forgets the bad one.

Jan 10, 2023 · 1 like · 10,091 followers View post →
Andy Brooke
@AndyBrookeLmstn · X

ODDLY, in his own unique way, Gerretsen has managed to tap into a deep-seated need, a way for us to 'face our fears' (of the ridiculous) without risking immediate harm. We know that his buffoonery can't harm us. (Smiling) #TongueInCheek #humour Source: https://t.co/tG4x0352Ca https://t.co/99qbEoUc3k

May 10, 2021 · 12,245 followers View post →

All mentions

Luana Lima
@LuanaOnodera · X

Not all emotions are created equal: The negativity bias in social-emotional development - PMC https://t.co/5rC98nze5x

May 26, 2025 · 46 followers View post →
Jebro
@JebroUnity · X

@JoshStrifeHayes We like to focus on the bad as humans. Have a read of this for example. "Not all emotions are created equal: The negativity bias in social-emotional development" Negative bias is a bastard. On another note, there are MANY that appreciate what you do. https://t.co/7Szog6Xkwa

Mar 24, 2024 · 2 likes · 4,579 followers View post →
ChiRadio™️©️
@chiradio · X

Not all emotions are created equal: The negativity bias in social-emotional development @nih https://t.co/VQijoxqwDf

Dec 30, 2023 · 2,211 followers View post →
Matthew Rehrl MD
@MatthewRehrl · X

@kjdelay1 Sadly, this negativity bias can be emotionally taxing, but not dissimilar to pilots and landing: nearly everyone ignores the good ones, nobody forgets the bad one.

Jan 10, 2023 · 1 like · 10,091 followers View post →
Pawan Sahu
@pawansahu2060 · X

I was reading up on the concept of "Negativity Bias" Would mean a lot if you all could attach any resources/articles for the same that might be helpful example: https://t.co/MiWOdLZ7pI

Oct 4, 2022 · 4 likes · 18 followers View post →
ジョージ
@orpelas · X

生まれつきネガティブな理由とは? 脅威に満ちた環境を生き延びる術。古代人の生活には捕食、飢餓、伝染病、暴力が日常茶飯事で臆病になる必要があった。今はライオンに襲われることも悪天候で飢餓に苦しむこともない。ネガティブな本能だけが残った。性格の問題じゃないよ https://t.co/I1Krg2seYs https://t.co/GRdUVS49od

Sep 20, 2021 · 7 likes · 1,842 followers View post →
cointankerous
@cointankerous · X

Why #FUD works ..."[A]dults display a negativity bias, or the propensity to attend to, learn from, and use negative information far more than positive information."

Jun 25, 2021 · 581 followers View post →
Andy Brooke
@AndyBrookeLmstn · X

ODDLY, in his own unique way, Gerretsen has managed to tap into a deep-seated need, a way for us to 'face our fears' (of the ridiculous) without risking immediate harm. We know that his buffoonery can't harm us. (Smiling) #TongueInCheek #humour Source: https://t.co/tG4x0352Ca https://t.co/99qbEoUc3k

May 10, 2021 · 12,245 followers View post →
neuropsych
@neuropsychfacts · X

The #brain does not prioritize all #emotions equally. We evolved to have negativity bias. People have a propensity to attend to, learn from, and use negative information far more than positive information. https://t.co/6ur1aKMOUu

Dec 14, 2020 · 122 followers View post →
Jacko
@Jaakkiiee · X

@AndresAddiction Según psicólogos, por que somos humanos “y así somos” ... https://t.co/C2yhXbTcpA https://t.co/fYJmbfdZPq

Feb 21, 2020 · 3 likes · 4,192 followers View post →