Loading Today is March 31st, 2009.
On several news websites I see the following:
Police: Man Fatally Stabs Sister, Decapitates 5-Year Old on Birthday
Gunman Kills 8, Injures 3 at N.C. Nursing Home
Boy Went for Bubble Gum – Met Killer
Migrant Boat Capsized, Hundreds Fear Dead
Chicago-Sun Times Files for Bankruptcy
The goal here is not to depress you and make you sad. Just by glancing at these things one can get an overwhelming sense of frustration and unbelief at what the world is coming to. At the same time we must remember that these incidents, while horrible, are picked from billions of daily events.
So why is everything always so negative?
Well, the news media has learned, if nothing else, to be negative because it captures our attention. The headlines almost force us to grab in and pay attention to the story. Sure, there are some positive stories, but ultimately these negative ones grab our attention better.
And if you want people to take action, or do something, or buy something, or read your story a lot of times you need to put people in pain or stroke their curiosity. Now before I go on, I really think one should be very careful in doing this because you can be highly manipulative and unethical. I think just pointing out the facts can do enough to show your point of view in my opinion
But why pain? Well, this may be obvious to some people but think about it like this. If I smash your toe with a hammer you’re going to be more likely to take action versus a pleasure. Fear of pain, fear of loss determines a lot with us.
But here is the kicker. With everything we discuss often times we do not realize that we are emotionally engaged in something. We get all wrapped up and flustered and can’t think clearly. When you’re watching a good movie and someone calls your name and you don’t hear them…your brain is so emotionally engaged. This is what happens to us all the time.
And then someone comes in to solve our problems for us.
So be careful of what emotional situation you find yourself in. And try to measure it. It is not easy to disengage and realize what is going on.
-Matt
