The perception that you see more mean people than kind people might be influenced by various factors, including cognitive biases, situational circumstances, and the way your brain processes information. Here are some reasons that could contribute to this perception:
Negativity bias: Humans tend to pay more attention to negative experiences and remember them more vividly than positive ones. This is known as the negativity bias. Evolutionarily, this bias might have helped our ancestors survive by staying vigilant and avoiding potential threats. In modern times, it can lead to a heightened awareness of negative or mean behavior.
Salience of negative events: Mean or rude behavior can be more noticeable and stand out in our minds compared to acts of kindness, which might be more subtle or commonplace. One rude encounter can leave a lasting impression, while several small acts of kindness might not have the same impact on your memory.
Confirmation bias: If you have a preconceived belief that people are generally mean, you may unconsciously focus on instances that confirm this belief and overlook or downplay acts of kindness you encounter.
Media and news exposure: The media often focuses on negative events and sensationalizes them, leading to a perception that the world is full of negativity. This can skew your perspective and make it seem like mean people are more prevalent than kind ones.
Self-preservation and threat perception: Mean or rude behavior can trigger feelings of threat or discomfort, making those instances more salient in your mind. Your brain may be wired to notice potential threats to your well-being or self-esteem.
Social circles and environment: The people you interact with regularly or the environment you find yourself in could contribute to your perception. If you are surrounded by negative or toxic individuals or frequently encounter rude behavior in specific settings, it can amplify your perception of encountering mean people more often.
Coping mechanism: Sometimes, focusing on the negative traits of others can be a coping mechanism to protect oneself emotionally. By assuming people are mean, you might be trying to guard against potential disappointments or getting hurt.
It's important to remember that your perception is not an objective reflection of reality, and there are kind and caring people in the world. Challenging negative assumptions and consciously seeking out positive interactions can help balance your perspective and promote a more positive outlook. Engaging in acts of kindness yourself can also contribute to creating a more positive and compassionate environment.