Are you losing faith in humanity because of everything going on right now? If so, that is no surprise. Our habit of “doomscrolling” convinces us that people are inherently self-centred and uncaring.

According to the American Psychological Association, many of us are suffering from “headline stress disorder”. We know from experience that exposure to negative news shapes a darker view of humanity.

Psychologists have been interested in the darker side of human personality for decades. The so-called dark triad of Machiavellianism, narcissism, and sociopathy has attracted intense scrutiny. People high in these traits tend to be manipulative, self-centred, and lacking in empathy.

Between our doomscrolling habit and natural negativity bias, we start to doubt the goodness of human beings. In response to this, American psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman and his colleagues have highlighted positive aspects of humanity with their research into the “light triad”.

The light triad emphasises the positive aspects of human nature – Kantianism (treating people as inherently valuable rather than as means to an end), humanism, and faith in humanity. Those who score high on the light triad see the inherent value in others, believe in human goodness, and treat people with dignity and respect.

In his blog for Scientific American, Kaufman argues that these positive aspects of personality are “just as worthy of research attention and cultivation in a society that sometimes forgets that not only is there goodness in the world, but there is also goodness in each of us”.

By taking a balanced view of personality, we remind ourselves of the breadth of possibility within each of us. Human beings are capable of performing wonderful, heart-warming acts of kindness, just as they are capable of acts of selfishness and cruelty.

What to do

Here are five simple ways to boost our hopefulness.

Engage in small acts of kindness: Try simple everyday gestures such as letting someone go ahead of you in line, allowing a car to merge in traffic, or simply offering a warm smile. These small acts of kindness can brighten someone’s day, boost your mood, and encourage others who witness them.

Show compassion: Compassion is crucial. Start by being gentle with yourself. Practice self-compassion by going easy on yourself during tough moments. Extend that same compassion to others. Remember that everyone is always in the middle of something.

Spread positivity: Instead of sharing negative news in your WhatsApp groups, make a conscious effort to highlight positive and uplifting stories from within your network or community. Share articles or videos that inspire hope and celebrate human kindness. By spreading positivity, you can play your part in counterbalancing our negativity bias and create a more hopeful narrative about the world.

Listen intentionally: In a world full of distractions, offering someone your full, undivided attention can be a powerful act. Take the time to really listen to others, making them feel seen, valued, and heard. By being present in your conversations and engaging in “radical listening”, you not only strengthen your connection with the other person but also create a more humanising environment.

Connect through community: As human beings, we thrive through social connections. Get involved by participating in community events. These activities will help you feel more connected while reinforcing the idea that we all belong to something bigger and can make a difference together.

The writer is a Professor of Coaching and Positive Psychology, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences. This article was first published in The Conversation.