221. Why Are We So Pessimistic?

Angela Duckworth and Mike Marn engage in a thought-provoking discussion about societal pessimism, initiated by a question from Jason Duckworth regarding the increasing sense of hopelessness in humanity, particularly among Gen Z. They explore whether the sentiment around negativity has become more dominant in recent years, referencing a sentiment analysis of New York Times articles which shows a shift towards negativity beginning in the 1960s. Angela highlights the role of conflict entrepreneurs in media who profit by driving conflict and perpetuating a sense of despair.

The conversation pivots to the concept of agency, particularly drawing on the works of Martin Seligman, who coined the term 'learned helplessness' during his research with dogs facing inescapable shocks. Angela and Mike discuss how control over one's future correlates with optimism, using Seligman's findings to dissect the mechanisms behind why people may feel defeated. They suggest that while agency has historically increased, many still struggle with feelings of helplessness in an ever-complex world.

Angela points out that data indicates younger generations, like Gen Z, are increasingly pessimistic about the world and their future. She references Jean Twenge's work that shows a rise in pessimistic beliefs among 12th graders since the turn of the millennium. The discussion then shifts to how this sense of pessimism might be addressed through fostering small wins and agency, particularly emphasizing Michelle Obama's advice to start small rather than dream big.

The duo emphasizes the power of small wins in cultivating optimism and agency. They reference a past study by Ziggler and Butterfield that modifies traditional IQ testing to include easier questions first, illustrating the effectiveness of small victories in motivating children. They argue that by ensuring individuals experience manageable successes, especially in education, it can uplift overall self-efficacy and combat pessimism.

In the conclusion of their conversation, Angela and Mike encourage listeners to focus on positive news as a way to nurture optimism. They draw from Upworthy's mission to publish uplifting stories, outlining examples of positive human stories and achievements that can inspire. Centering around small actionable steps individuals can take, the duo argues that shifting focus from societal issues toward localized victories can help reinforce a sense of agency and brighten outlooks.