Negative words in news headlines generate more clicks — but sad words are more effective than angry or scary ones

Why is all the news so negative?

Maybe it’s because journalists are naturally drawn to aberrations — outliers from the norm — and those tend to be more bad than good. After all, a flight landing safely isn’t a story, but one crashing into the ocean sure is.

Maybe it’s because reporters see themselves as watchdogs, tasked with identifying malfeasance, corruption, discrimination, and other social problems that need fixing. A government program working well isn’t as exciting as a mayor taking money under the table.

Heck, maybe it’s because the world is just inherently a dark and depressing place — a theory the past decade or so seems ready to endorse.

Or maybe it’s because it sells.

Click here to read more.