In mid-2023, researchers Adam M. Mastroianni of Columbia University and Daniel T. Gilbert of Harvard University published an investigation titled “The illusion of moral decadence”.
In this work available in the journal Nature, the authors They wondered if the perception that there is a moral decline has persisted over time or if it is a phenomenon of current times..
For your study, They gathered data collected over 70 years, in which more than 12 million people were consulted on this point.
There, they confirmed that That feeling has indeed remained, even though according to them, “modern humans treat each other much better than they did.” their ancestors”.
Of course, Cases may vary depending on each individual and the environment in which he is immersed.
However, For psychiatrist and happiness expert at Harvard University, Robert Waldinger, there are certain points that could explain a disconnection between what is thought and reality..
One of them is the negativity biasstated the American in statements recovered by Telva.
Regarding this concept, he explained that “Science has shown that our mind has a bias towards what is wrong”.
“We are more likely to pay attention and remember the negative”Waldinger summarized.
On the other hand, the second factor you mentioned is the idealization of the past.
In his words, “scientific studies have shown that we tend to whiten our memories”.
“That leaves us with the perception that everything is getting worse and that everything was better a long time ago”.
What can be done about negativity bias, according to the Harvard expert
Waldinger, who is also the co-author of books such as A good life (Planeta, 2023), explained to the aforementioned media that It is key to consider that we usually make mistakes when analyzing reality and how interpersonal relationships develop.
However, according to the specialist, “our intimate connections and our natural tendency towards kindness and compassion”.
“Look around you and observe people who do what is right, what is kind, what is decent. Discover people being good and believe it”, he emphasized.
Along these lines, he added that “We are so blinded by our own expectations and personal opinions that we leave no room for those subtle realities to penetrate.”.
To avoid being dominated by the so-called negativity bias, suggested trying to become aware of positive experiences that may surprise you.
That does not translate into avoiding or ignoring the aspects that afflict you or generate discomfort.
Rather, it refers to assess certain aspects of reality that in other circumstances you might overlook.
For example: “In the middle of that family reunion that you’ve been dreading for months, take a break and realize that, against all odds, you are having a pretty good time.”
In addition, he recommended doing the exercise of try to identify when other people make kind gestures and with good intentions.
In this sense, as an example, he mentioned the roads, where “good drivers are always in the background and bad drivers stand out”.
“The same thing happens in life. So, from time to time, try to look at the good drivers, the good people.”Waldinger said.
