Have you ever noticed how the way we see the world affects the way we vote? A growing number of Australians are walking away from major political parties not because of policies, but because they believe the world is a terrible place. And that belief may be creating a cycle that fuels political instability.
When someone sees the world as dangerous, boring, or ugly, they’re more likely to notice things that support that belief. The same thing happens when someone sees the world as good they find beauty, safety, and meaning around them. Psychologists call this a “feedback loop,” and it’s one of the most powerful forces in shaping how we think, feel, and act.
This isn’t just theory. It’s backed by research in areas like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), stereotypes, and mindset studies. But what happens when someone sees not just one thing, but the entire world as bad?
The Power of 'Primal World Beliefs'
At the University of Pennsylvania, researchers study what are called primal world beliefs. These are deep, often subconscious beliefs about the world as a whole like whether the world is a safe or dangerous place. One of the most important primal beliefs is called the “Good World Belief.”
If you believe the world is generally good, that belief colors everything you experience. If you believe the world is bad, the opposite happens. And where you land on this belief scale can shape your politics, health, relationships, and more.
Politics and the 'Bad World' Mindset
Research led by Dr. Ferdi Botha and her team at the University of Melbourne offers an eye-opening insight: Australians who see the world in a negative light are more likely to reject both major political parties. Instead, they support minor or rising parties those without much power or a proven track record.
This finding suggests that a “bad world” belief might drive people to distrust all forms of leadership. It’s not about being left or right anymore it’s about thinking no one can fix anything because the world itself is broken.
The Danger of a Downward Spiral
Here’s where it gets serious: if more and more people start believing the world is a bad place, society may fall into a negative feedback loop. People stop trusting institutions. They reject reforms even good ones. Eventually, this could lead to chaos and collapse, not because the systems are broken, but because people believe they are.
And here’s the catch: making the world “better” doesn’t always change how people see it.
Why Perception Is More Powerful Than Reality
Even when the world objectively gets safer or wealthier, people’s core beliefs often stay the same. Studies show that people who believe in abundance don’t necessarily have more money. During COVID, even though the world clearly became more dangerous, not everyone’s belief in a dangerous world increased.
So if changing reality doesn’t shift mindsets, what does?
The Key Might Be Attention
New research suggests our worldviews are shaped not just by what happens, but by *what we focus on*. If we constantly look for problems, we’ll find them and start believing the world is a bad place. But if we notice progress, kindness, and beauty, our mindset may begin to shift.
That’s why how we talk about the world matters.
A Wake-Up Call for Leaders
Here’s a message for anyone in power: If people start believing the world is a terrible place, it won’t matter how great your tax policies are or how well your education system works. Voters won’t trust you. They won’t see the value. They may just want to throw the whole system out.
The solution? Shift the narrative. Highlight what’s working. Celebrate progress. Tell stories that inspire hope and remind people that the world isn’t all bad.
This shift won’t just help with politics it could boost mental health, build stronger communities, and help people live happier, more connected lives.
Conclusion
If we want to avoid political instability and build a brighter future, we need more than good policies. We need to help people see the world as a place worth saving. That starts with attention, awareness, and a shared belief that the world despite its flaws is still a pretty amazing place.