Alarmism is excessive or exaggerated alarm of a real or imagined threat. Alarmism connotes attempts to excite fears or giving warnings of great danger in a manner that is amplified, overemphasized or unwarranted. In the news media, alarmism can often be found in the form of yellow journalism where reports sensationalise a story to exaggerate small risks.[1]

Alarmist personality

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The alarmist person is subject to the cognitive distortion of catastrophizing – of always expecting the worst of possible futures.[2]

They may also be seeking to preserve feelings of omnipotence by trying to generate anxiety, apprehension and concern in others.[3]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "The Risk of Poor Coverage of Risk". Columbia Journalism Review.
  2. ^ P. Gilbert, Overcoming Depression (1999) p. 88-90
  3. ^ T. Pitt-Aikens, Loss of the Good Authority (1989) p. 99