‘We have come to glamorise cynicism in our culture and it is hurting us in every way’.

Cynicism, the belief that humanity is selfish and dishonest, can have negative effects on our health, relationships, and overall well-being. Psychologist Jamil Zaki argues that cynicism is not only harmful but also makes us believe things that aren't true. He suggests adopting a mindset of "hopeful skepticism," which involves being open to information about people, actively countering negative biases, and taking calculated leaps of faith in others. Cynicism is on the rise, possibly due to increased inequality and media focus on negative stories, but research shows that cynics perform less well on analytical, mathematical, and social tasks. Cynicism also has wider implications, as cynical communities tend to have lower happiness levels and economic growth. Overcoming cynicism requires thinking differently, acting differently, and sharing differently, and can lead to a more positive and empowered outlook on life. [Extracted from the article]