Misery By Choice

I like to look into the interesting connection and results of how people think about and approach life. Something that just occurred to me is a cycle that goes from choice to misery. It's understood by many that bad news gets better ratings. The choice to look for bad news means good news is ignored. After a while the bad news is primarily what is seen rather than the good news. Mostly bad news leads to a lack of hope and misery as all around people see the bad and not the good.

There are many little choices we make without thinking about the long range effects. Usually this is due to the immediate situation and sensations. This is but one example. Perhaps if this gets a decent response I'll post about others I notice.

Stimulation Addiction

This is the reason people prefer bad news, it gives them some sort of pleasent stimulation. The reasons vary, but the point is that the motivation is getting stimulation. In some way it makes the person feel better.

Reward Reaction

Like an animal being trained, the person who keeps coming back to the bad news keeps getting their reward. They look for the bad news because it gives them the reward they may not even know they are seeking. This behavior culminates in surrounding one's self with nothing but bad news.

Bad News Blues

The bad news is seen, heard and reiterated till the good is forgotten and ignored. With little to no good in a person's view of reality, hopelessness, despair and misery ensue.

Metaphor Meaning

In a way this is like a drug. Some people dabble with minor effects while others drown in their addiction(s). If the person doesn't want to get out of their lifestyle, there isn't a lot of hope. They have to see and understand the benefit and choose another way of life.

Parallel Application

A student who doesn't want to learn will not learn, and a player who doesn't want to live the experience won't. Truth is that these things are optional growth and the person must in some way "opt in". Games work by the principle of opting in, one of the keys to opening the doors of the mind, that can lead to motivation.

Have fun, spread the word and tell me what you think,
Igen Oukan

Misery By Choice

View Blog Reactions