A reflection on the importance of acknowledging internal bias
In Psychology, many studies have focused on understanding how all kinds of information affect our daily lives and our perception of experiences. One aspect of the information we receive is how our brain internalizes it based on its nature. That is, whether the information received is ‘negative’ or ‘positive’. Studies have shown that negative information tends to influence internal perceptions more strongly than positive ones (Ito, Larsen, Smith, & Cacioppo, 1998)).
According to Marano (2003), this strong processing of negative information in comparison to positive one is built in our brains. According to this author, our brain is highly sensitive to negativity. This bias toward unpleasant information is automatic, and it is developed at the initial phase of information processing, as detected and processed by the brain. Therefore, we can argue that we are all born with a negative bias
Negative bias refers to a cognitive tendency for individuals to focus more on negative information, experiences, or outcomes while giving less attention to positive ones. This can occur at different levels, from a perceptual bias in processing information to a bias in memory retrieval or interpretation.
Although this bias is automatic, as part of our brain’s processing of information; it can be reinforced by various sources, including personality traits, past experiences, and cultural or social influences. It can also be reinforced by certain environments or contexts, such as stressful or threatening situations. This is important to understand since this negativity towards unpleasant information can cause an impact on our mental health.
One unfortunate consequence of this bias, for example, is that a person with negative bias might tend to dwell on criticisms they receive rather than compliments, or to recall negative events from their past more readily than positive ones. Negative bias can also affect decision-making, as it may lead individuals to underestimate their abilities, expect the worst outcomes, or make overly cautious choices. All of these can cause stress or anxiety for many people, reliving negativity in their heads over and over again and causing internal pain (psychological pain).
One of these internal pain is negative self-talk; People with negative bias may engage in self-critical or self-deprecating thoughts, such as “I’m not good enough” or “Nothing ever goes right for me.” This can lead to low self-esteem and a lack of motivation. Another aspect is catastrophizing. Negative bias can cause people to focus on the worst-case scenarios, such as imagining that a minor problem will lead to a catastrophic outcome.
Individually, negative bias can lead to psychological pain, but socially it can have undesirable consequences as well. For example, negativity in the media. Many news outlets tend to focus more on negative stories, such as crime, disasters, and conflicts, than positive ones. This can create a perception that the world is more dangerous or chaotic than it actually is.
Another aspect is stereotyping. Negative bias can also manifest as stereotyping or prejudice against certain groups or individuals. For example, assuming that all people of a certain race or ethnicity, gender, or religion share negative characteristics or behaviors. If you already think negatively of a certain group, you can fall under confirmation bias. Strictly speaking, people with negative bias may be more likely to seek out information about others that confirms their negative beliefs or expectations about them, while ignoring or discounting positive information.
Consequently, becoming aware of negative bias and actively challenging it through cognitive and behavioral strategies is important. It can help individuals develop a more balanced and positive outlook on experiences. As mentioned previously, negative bias can impact our thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors not only on the Individual level but also socially.
Therefore, it’s important to recognize and address negative biases in ourselves and others in order to promote more positive and balanced perspectives. It is possible to overcome negative bias with conscious effort and practice. Here are some strategies that can help:
- Awareness: The first step to overcoming negative bias is to become aware of it. Recognize when negative thoughts, emotions, or behaviors are taking over, and try to identify the underlying beliefs or assumptions that are driving them.
- Reframe negative thoughts: Once you have identified negative thoughts or beliefs, try to reframe them in a more positive or neutral way. For example, instead of thinking “I’m not good enough,” try “I may not have all the skills yet, but I can learn and improve.”
- Focus on the positive: Make a conscious effort to focus on positive experiences, accomplishments, and qualities, both in yourself and others. Practice gratitude by reflecting on things you are grateful for each day.
- Challenge stereotypes and biases: Be aware of stereotypes and biases you may hold and challenge them by seeking out diverse perspectives, exposing yourself to different cultures and experiences, and questioning assumptions.
- Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness meditation and other mindfulness practices can help you develop a more balanced and present-moment-focused perspective, reducing the influence of negative biases.
Overcoming negative bias takes time and effort, and it is an ongoing process. And in this process, we need to be patient and kind to ourselves, and keep practicing these strategies to cultivate a more positive and balanced outlook about our own experiences and about the interaction with others. Overcoming negative bias is vital as it can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and strained relationships. It is important to be aware of our own biases and work to overcome them in order to foster positive and healthy relationships with others, within society.
References
- Ito, T. A., Larsen, J. T., Smith, N. K., & Cacioppo, J. T. (1998). Negative information weighs more heavily on the brain: The negativity bias in evaluative categorizations. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 75(4), 887–900. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.75.4.887
- Marano, H. (2003). Our brain’s negative bias. Psychology Today, 20, 1-3.
