Constructive Journalism

Abstract

Constructive journalism is an emerging form of reporting that takes distance from the negativity bias in the news. Based on the ideas of positive psychology, constructive news stories focus on solutions and include positive emotions. The goal of this technique is to enhance audiences' interest in the news and, that way, to energize and inspire them to prosocial behavior. Constructive reporting matches the social responsibility function of journalism and can be located in its normative tradition.