Our minds developed in a hunter-gatherer environment where knowing about bad news was critical to our survival. Our brains are naturally easier made fearful than happy. Nowadays, we are bombarded with negative news to the point where we become desensitized to it, or constantly feel a lingering stress that stimulates a state of depression. When minds are in a state of depression, they become less motivated and so less likely to make efforts to alleviate bad news. This creates a disassociation between the viewer and current world, where the viewer feels as though their efforts can never make a change in the real world, and so they separate their lives from it, leaving direction of the society in the hands of those in power.
The conditioning to hearing bad news by our media has gotten so bad that it's become relatively difficult to find a decent amount of good news--since marketers know bad news sells better. But there's always hope: positive psychologists believe we can condition our brains to have a more optimistic outlook on life by surrounding ourselves with good news. Here is a list of ten great things about 2016 to help start your year off right:
1. Virtual Reality
2016 is the year for virtual reality, with it becoming available as consumer products within the first few months of the year. Facebook's Oculus Rift will hit the stores soon, followed the HTC Vive and Sony’s PlayStation VR in April. Virtual reality will open new doors to educational training, gaming, PTSD therapy and more.
2. Juno probe arrives at Jupiter
Juno, launched in 2011, will become the second probe to orbit the gigantic gas ball we know as Jupiter. It will reach the planet's orbit in July of 2016, and provide us with new information on Jupiter's atmosphere, like how much water it contains, as well as send back some beautiful new pictures.
3. Finding Dory
The sequel to Disney Pixar's beloved 2003 hit Finding Nemo will consecutively hit theaters and our feels in June 2016.
4. Micro-chipping Dogs
Starting 2016, micro-chipping dogs in England will become compulsory. The rice-size micro-chip will contain information of the dog's home location, and owner contact--so that if the dog ever becomes lost, his chances of being returned home will increase exponentially. Ministers hope the new law will reduce the amount of dogs that end up being stray as a result of getting lost. Less lost dogs is a win for everyone!
5. Approaching a Cure for Alzheimer's Disease
2015 provided several breakthroughs in Alzheimer's treatments, with some completely restoring memory function thanks to ultrasound technology that clears the brain of neurotoxic amyloid plaques; these plaques are responsible for memory and cognitive function loss in those affected by Alzheimer's disease. Many of us know a loved one who's been affected by the sad disease; these breakthroughs provide hope for millions of people across the globe.
6. Canada's new Prime Minister is a hunk who also cares about Syrian refugees
Justin Trudeau started off his presidency by compassionately welcoming Syrian refugees and making sure they felt at home. He took it upon himself to tweet "Welcome to Canada" and can be seen in several videos helping and welcoming the refugees into Canada.
7. Kanye West will release his new album "Swish"
Everyone's favorite self-proclaimed genius Kanye West revealed through a tweet that his new album "Swish" will drop February 11, 2016.
8. Disney's Moana
Hitting the big screen November 26, 2016, Moana will be Disney's first ever Polynesian princess. Representation is crucial, especially to young children. Growing up with a character that looks like you validates your existence and allows the child to be able to identify with the character more. Disney hasn't done a particularly good job at diversifying their princesses, luckily Moana will be added to the growing list of minorities being represented--joining Tiana, Mulan and Jasmine.
9. 95 percent of the ocean is still unexplored
With so much mystery still shrouding the depths of the ocean, one can only wonder what kind of marvelous creatures inhabit it that we still have no idea exist.
One of 2015's newly discovered creatures includes the Flapjack Octopus, also known as "the adorable octopus" or Opisthoteuthis Adorabilis, a species of octopus so cute, that its researcher considered naming its species "adorabilis."
Look how adorable! Stare into his cartoony eyes, they're full of magic. We can only imagine what kind of incredible species will be discovered in 2016!!!
10. You are still around
Accomplishments come in all forms and sizes and you still being here is one of them. Take a moment to think about all the things you'd like to do this year. You have a lot of potential!
