Exposure to negative news content triggers a range of adverse emotional responses, including increased sadness, anger, stress, and anxiety1. Studies have shown that after reading negative news reports, individuals experience a decrease in positive affect and an increase in negative affect, such as worries and anxiety1. These emotional impacts can contribute to the development of more serious mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress, anxiety disorders, and depression2. The cumulative effect of repeated exposure to negative content can be significant, affecting even those not directly involved in the reported events, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of consuming negative news on overall psychological well-being34.

Negativity bias, an evolutionary trait, explains why humans tend to assign greater significance to negative information compared to positive information. This psychological phenomenon plays a crucial role in how we process and react to news content. The bias likely developed as a survival mechanism, helping our ancestors stay alert to potential dangers1. In the context of news consumption, negativity bias manifests as a tendency for people to be more attentive to and more likely to share negative news stories23. This preference for negative content can create a self-reinforcing cycle, where media outlets produce more negative stories to capture audience attention, further amplifying the exposure to negativity and potentially exacerbating its effects on mental health and overall positivity.

Negative news consumption can lead to physiological changes, such as increased heart rate, which may have long-term health implications, including cardiovascular issues1. The 9/11 attacks serve as an example, where extensive news coverage was linked to a higher likelihood of health problems years later. Additionally, negative news tends to be more memorable, potentially perpetuating cycles of negative thinking and emotional responses. Research indicates that women, in particular, may have better recall for negative news, which can contribute to heightened stress levels2.

The prevalence of negative news on social media platforms is notably higher than that of positive or neutral content, creating a feedback loop that reinforces negativity bias. This phenomenon is driven by users' tendencies to share negative articles more frequently, as such content often evokes stronger emotional responses like sadness, anger, and anxiety12. The amplification of negative news through social media can exacerbate its psychological impacts, contributing to increased stress and anxiety among users. Furthermore, about two-thirds of Americans perceive social media as having a mostly negative effect on societal trends, highlighting the broader implications of this digital environment3.