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We don't choose to fearful. But we do choose what information we expose ourselves to.

A surfeit of scary information can be harmful; it can make us more scared than we need to be. The author's research indicates this can lead to making bad decisions because we're expending our mental effort on being scared.

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A surfeit of scary information can be harmful; it can make us more scared than we need to be

that works both ways. a surplus of naively optimistic information (you! can! flip! a! house! today!, no money down), encourages excess risk.

if anything though, the "fear" of negative consequences is nonsensical now because for many americans, avoiding disaster is not an option, disaster is already happening. positive thinking isn't going to unforeclose their home.

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