OPINION: Stuff the negativity bias - talk up the positive

NOT GOOD: The Times-Age was flooded with letters complaining about the Masterton entranceway pou - which far outnumbered any positive feedback about good things happening in the region.

Several years back a mate of mine did a student exchange, living in a small French town.

Of all her captivating experiences, the thing she said she missed most about France was "the complaining".

Most mornings, she and her friends from the village would park themselves at a coffee shop, and have a good old grumble. The newspaper was late. The baker's delivery was stale. The weather was abysmal. Quelle honte -- what a disgrace!

Actually, New Zealand isn't that different.

Lately, I've noticed how eager we are to deplore and castigate as a culture. And how slow we are to praise.

We're quick to damn health services, schools, restaurants and banks if we have an unsatisfactory experience, yet take good service for granted. Many workers feel under appreciated in hypercritical workplaces. On social media, negative posts can garner hundreds of responses yet, instead of writing a genuine compliment, all we have to do to voice approval is click a button ("Like").

As a contact with a marketing background put it, "if someone likes something, they'll tell five people. If they dislike something, they'll tell 15".

It's become more obvious since working for a newspaper. Glancing at the Letters to the Editor in the Times-Age, it seems there's much in Wairarapa which is cause for concern. The Waihenga Centre, FreshChoice's entranceway, the Featherston town centre, unruly teens and the Masterton pou, for example.

Occasionally, there's letter congratulating someone on their achievements, thanking an organisation for an enjoyable event, or complimenting a well-written piece. But the texts bemoaning poor driving etiquette far outnumber the thank yous for returned wallets.

Scientific research shows the brain is more sensitive to unpleasantness -- known as the Negativity Bias.

A University of Chicago study showed test subjects pictures arousing positive feelings, followed by pictures producing negative emotions -- such as car crashes or dead animals. When subjects viewed the depressing images, there was a surge in brain activity.

The brain, therefore, reacts more strongly to negative stimuli, and our attitudes are heavily influenced by that which we deem "bad news".

This is an evolutionary tactic, designed to help humans evaluate potential dangers. But, constant negativity does get miserable.

I'm not saying humans shouldn't complain. Organisations are accountable to their communities, and channels need to be available through which people can speak up.

But we can always acknowledge the positive. A challenge: if you read of someone in the paper who inspires you, write a letter to the editor. If you receive outstanding service from the hospital or your local watering hole, let the manager know. Tell your employees, kids and partner you appreciate them.

If a friend shares good news on Facebook, hit "Like" and send them a kind word.

If something is bothering you, talk about it. If something uplifts you, talk about it. It can't be a bad thing to have balance in our lives.