Why do people get angry when the news makes them angry?

This fact causes many people to become angry—an emotion that often serves two simultaneous functions: 1) It is a subconscious or conscious reaction of frustration from the fact that they, indeed, do not have much of an impact on the events deemed “important” by the news.

What does “if you are outraged it must mean that you?

The converse of the quote above is that “If you are outraged, it must mean that you are paying attention.” Furthermore, because anger is now associated with political and cultural awareness, it’s a sign to many individuals that their lives are meaningful.

Why is anger associated with political and cultural awareness?

A sentiment that pervades our society today, and is even spoon-fed to some students in schools, is that “If you aren’t outraged, then you just aren’t paying attention.” Anger has thus become identified with political and cultural awareness.

Are you angry all the time about politics?

Although it may not always seem like it, not everyone is angry all the time about politics, says Jon Krosnick, Ph.D, a social psychologist, professor, and the director of the Political Psychology Research Group at Stanford University.

Why is it so hard to debate with a stranger?

People also like to have a general idea of where someone falls on an issue before they start debating it. If you’re talking with a stranger, you don’t know how to anticipate their position on a divisive topic. This creates an uncertainty that can be uncomfortable.

Are political conversations becoming more difficult?

Political conversations, on the other hand, seem to have become especially challenging in recent years. Stories of tense Thanksgiving dinners and of Facebook friends being unfriended have become commonplace. Why does this happen?