Jamil Zaki Hope for Cynics n. negativity bias

Michael J. Nyenhuis • 2ndPresident & CEO of UNICEF USA, Relentlessly Pursuing a More Equitable World For Every Child | Child Rights Activist | Thought LeaderPromoted by UNICEF USA

Our brains are wired to focus on the negative.

This “negativity bias” might have helped our ancestors survive, but in today’s world, it can drown out the hope and progress happening all around us—especially for children.

From a historic drop in child mortality rates to the groundbreaking rollout of malaria vaccines, there is so much good happening for children globally.

As we step into the New Year, I’m committing to rewiring my focus—to continuing to work with my teams at UNICEF USA to relentlessly pursue a more equitable world for every child, yes, and also to more frequently recognize and share the stories of hope, resilience and change that are shaping brighter futures for children everywhere.

Here’s my latest article on breaking the negativity bias and why it matters for children’s futures.

Relentless

Breaking the Negativity Bias: My New Year’s Resolution to Highlight Hope and Progress

I wish my brain operated differently. Your’s too, to be honest. If I could rewire us all, I would.What’s wrong with our brains? Well, we have a “negat

Tim W. • 2nd

CEO @ Alpha Wolf Capital Helping the"Hidden Gems" of small and microcap companies with strong leadership teams, game-changing services, or products needed to improve the world.

1mo

I love that others are beginning to see how toxic things have become. If you look at all the divides, the negativity and the rebellious have gotten stronger because of social media. Unfortunately, humans have a herd mentality. Because of our tendency to lean negatively, it is easy & almost natural instinct to hop on the bashing bandwagon or poor judgment of others as if we are without fault. We have all made mistakes we are not proud of. Those are the opportunities to learn and make ourselves better. However, if society decides to judge someone by that finite moment in time for the rest of their lives. We do not allow those people to learn. We do not allow them the opportunity to better themselves because society wants to remind that person that they are bad. We must recognize that this path is flawed and could cause an entire generation to do far more damage than good. I am a believer in the spirit of America, and I believe we are the best country in the world. Hands Down! That being said >We can and will do better. It takes a commitment to change. There is strength in numbers,& the faster people jump onto the positive energy train, the sooner we will have a tremendous positive impact on humanity. Thank you for writiing this

Rose S. • 3rd+

Director at MobiCycle. Scope 3 Emissions, Biodiversity Loss & Pollution. Electronic and Electrical Equipment.

The term “negativity bias” is problematic because it reframes the critical focus on systemic issues like inequality and injustice as a flaw in perspective. It shifts attention away from the structures causing these problems, subtly encouraging people to dismiss hard truths in favour of superficial positivity.

Labelling legitimate concern for injustice as “negativity” undermines the urgency of addressing these issues. It risks minimising the need for systemic change by promoting a feel-good narrative that obscures the root causes of harm.

What’s needed isn’t less focus on these challenges but more. The phrase “negativity bias” acts as a rhetorical distraction, deflecting attention from structural accountability. Instead of reducing the conversation to optimism, we should embrace the uncomfortable truths necessary to drive real, transformative action.

Rodger Niemeier • 3rd+

Vice President National Association of Christian Ministers, Christian Minister, Teacher, Cross-cultural missionary, Chaplain & Administrator

Frankly, I’ve that since I welcomed Christ into my life, and have been (and still am being) transformed by His Spirit I dwelling me, I am encouraged in positivity simply because as He overcame the sinfulness and negativity of a sin- dominated world, so have I in Him! I still see all the sinfulness going on all over the world (sinners do what sinners do, even as I did as well), but there is hope because of Jesus Christ changing lives from the inside out!

Dan Drucker • 3rd+

Helping Nonprofits Build Lasting Donor Relationships | Coaching, Workshops, Facilitation and Strategic Support

1mo

Michael J. Nyenhuis This a beautifully worded piece on something that I think holds us back as a society. I've consciously tried to change the negativity bias in myself, but it's not an easy task!

I also think there's a bias against tackling problems that seem too large or complex, or with solutions that seem too far off in the future. Which is why nonprofits have to break down their small wins into bite sized pieces that donors can digest.

Clearly, UNICEF has done this and the results and stories you shared speak for themselves.

Wishing you a peaceful holiday and a 2025 filled with positivity and hope!

Chantal Pierrat • 2nd

Leading Culture & Leadership Transformation • CEO of Emerging Women & Emerging Human 50+ Coaches, 30+ countries, 30+ Fortune 500 Companies.

I think we forget sometimes that change takes time, but it’s happening every day.

Mark L. Gaus • 3rd+

Supervisory Special Agent, FBI (Ret),MSCJ

Science does indeed tell us that bad is stronger than good in many respects, but teaching kids how to think critically is where we can level the playing field for them over the life course in many respects where they learn how to navigate the troubled life is sure to bring their way no matter what part of the world they live in.