Did you know that the giant panda has been officially removed from the endangered species list? Or that a new drug has been developed to help children with Dravet syndrome, a treatment-resistant form of epilepsy? Or the hole in the ozone layer is healing faster than expected thanks to the global reduction of chlorofluorocarbons. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind reached record levels by the end of 2025, supplying 17 percent of electricity in the U.S. and 30 percent in Europe. Despite devastating floods in Hawaii, many local divers and citizens have helped to evacuate neighbors, save animals, and start recovery efforts. Yet these stories rarely make headlines.
Can you recall a time you searched for “News” on Google and the top headlines didn’t mention war, death, or devastation? Whether you’re an avid news reader or not, do you usually expect positive reports of progress when asked, “Have you seen the news?” Why is bad news always the expectation?
Many journalists argue that stories about sudden disasters attract more attention than slow improvements, but I believe they become less intriguing and more exhausting over time. On a dreary morning, would you rather read article number 12 about war this week or a story about a new elephant sanctuary in Portugal?
According to The Washington Post article “The Good News Effect,” 70% of Americans feel overwhelmed by negative news, and 60% say the media causes them stress. Still, negative stories continue to dominate the media. One reason for this is psychology. The negativity bias is the human tendency to remember negative information more than positive information. Media outlets know this and often rely on it to attract a greater range of audiences.
This constant exposure to negativity not only triggers stress but can also cause individuals to question their purpose. I think that overconsumption of negative news can make readers feel powerless, as if their actions are too insignificant to help global issues. On the other hand, inspiring stories, whether about huge environmental progress or small-town heroes, create a sense of possibility.
Jadie Jackson, author of “You Are What You Read,” states that “good news makes us feel more empowered because it gives us three key psychological ingredients: optimism, hope, and self-advocacy.” Sharing positive stories can improve mental health and provide a more balanced perspective of the world.
This doesn’t mean bad news should be hidden from the public. Citizens of all nations deserve to know about global challenges, but they also should hear about the massive steps taken for society. Both types of news serve important purposes. Bad news raises awareness to fuel innovation, while good news inspires further success. A balance of both will paint a more accurate picture of reality.
“BREAKING NEWS” should not automatically make us anxious, but perhaps excited to see what new improvements have been made for our planet and all it contains.
