Why we forget that most people are good

In a world where sensational news dominates headlines and social media feeds, it's easy to forget that most people are good. Whether it's stories of violent crime, political scandals, or natural disasters, it can feel like the world is a dark and dangerous place. But the reality is, most people are kind, compassionate, and willing to help others.

Research has consistently shown that people are more likely to perform acts of kindness and generosity than they are to engage in harmful behavior. Studies have also found that empathy and compassion are innate human traits, and that people are more likely to cooperate and work together for the common good than they are to act selfishly.

So why do we forget that most people are good? There are a few reasons.

First, our brains are wired to focus on negative information. This is a survival mechanism that helped our ancestors identify and respond to potential threats in their environment. In today's world, this means that we're more likely to remember negative events and experiences than positive ones.

This negativity bias is compounded by the fact that media outlets often prioritize stories that are shocking, sensational, or controversial. This means that we're bombarded with stories about crime, corruption, and conflict, while positive news stories often get overlooked.

Another reason we may forget that most people are good is that we tend to be more skeptical of strangers than we are of people we know well. This is another evolutionary adaptation that helped our ancestors avoid danger from unfamiliar individuals or groups.

In today's world, this means that we're more likely to view people outside our immediate social circle with suspicion or mistrust. This can lead to stereotypes and prejudices, which can further fuel negative perceptions of other people.

But despite these cognitive biases and societal factors, it's important to remember that most people are good. Here are some reasons why.

First, research has consistently shown that people are more likely to act kindly and generously than they are to engage in harmful behavior. Studies have found that people who engage in prosocial behavior, such as volunteering, donating to charity, or helping a stranger, are happier and more fulfilled than those who don't.

Second, empathy and compassion are innate human traits. Studies have found that even very young children show empathy and concern for others. This suggests that these traits are hardwired into our brains and are not solely the result of cultural or environmental factors.

Third, people are more likely to cooperate and work together for the common good than they are to act selfishly. This has been demonstrated in a number of experimental studies, where participants are asked to engage in games or tasks that require cooperation and trust. These studies consistently show that people are more likely to work together and trust each other than they are to act selfishly or try to undermine others.

Finally, it's important to remember that the vast majority of interactions we have with other people on a daily basis are positive. We may encounter a few rude or unkind individuals, but these interactions are the exception rather than the rule.

So how can we remember that most people are good in a world that often seems to focus on the negative?

One strategy is to intentionally seek out positive news stories and information. There are a number of websites and social media accounts that focus on sharing uplifting news stories and inspiring content. Following these accounts can help balance out the negative news we're exposed to on a regular basis.

Another strategy is to intentionally cultivate a sense of empathy and compassion towards others. This can be done through meditation, practicing gratitude, or simply making an effort to be kind and helpful to others on a daily basis.

It's also important to challenge our own biases and stereotypes about other people. This can be done by exposing ourselves to diverse perspectives and experiences, and by making an effort to engage with people outside our immediate social circle.

Ultimately, remembering that most people