Is there far too much negativity in the media ?

Question

Should the media focus more on the 'good' things that happen in the world rather than solely focusing on the likes of war, violent crime, hate, bigotry, prejudice....etc

Or is there nothing 'good' in the world that needs reporting.

Answer 1

Yes, the media should definitely focus on positive. It works on personal lever, and that means it should work on larger scale too. They lost the balance between good and nasty and forgot that news doesn't have to be pessimistic. it is also the way they say it. they could use way more effort to make it more positive,even if a negative message needs to be delivered

Answer 2

I think it's human nature to be fascinated by the macabre. That is a far more common interest--to find "good news" that appealed to an audience so broad would be much more difficult.

I do agree it affects our outlook on the world and, consequently, our behavior toward others so we need to be responsible and self-limit our exposure.

I rarely read newspapers or watch daily news (unless it's the Colbert Report!). About every 3rd day, I scan world headlines and try to keep up on the major stories but, for the most part, I stay far away from mainstream news. If it's "on the wire", most times it's not something I need to devote my time to since friends and family will tell me about it anyway! I have a much more positive outlook than when I kept a more vigilant eye on current events.

Answer 3

The problem is that the media.. while it's their job to inform.. they're also a business. And war, violent crimes, hate.. those are the things that sell. So we see a lot more of that then we do the more humanitarian things that happen. This in turn leads us to believe the world is a worst place than it actually is.

Answer 4

Bad news sells newspapers. What really gets up my nose are shock horror health warnings that change completely about a month later, house price gloom and doom followed by reports of major increases in the prices and, worst of all, the global warming gloom and doom. If we produce only 2% of the world's carbon emissions, why are we being bullied and threatened with green taxes?

Answer 5

the media should focus on the truth, rather than embellishing and making up stories that sell.

Its important to reveal the reality of what is going on in the world, which is usually harsh and ugly. That doesn't mean you cannot turn that negativity into doing something positive about it

Answer 6

We need to know about the bad things to stop them happening again.

Some countries like China censor the tv and people don;t even know about the Tianeman Sq massacre. If there is a problem in the world, journalists do a dangerous job bringing it to the world's attention.

If you just want to watch happy things, then go watch some kids channel.

Answer 7

If it bleeds it leads. They've got to change that way of thinking. News is what's happening. That includes the good and the bad, but they do tend to give more of the bad.

Answer 8

i bet good/true stuff doesnt sell half as many newspapers-the sad fact is a lot of people thrive on drama and gossip

Answer 9

current events around the world these days are mostly negative, so stop reading headlines and google up 'puppies and kittens' and you will feel better instantly

Answer 10

Good news don't sell papers I'm afraid.
plus what you read in the paper is
yesterdays news.