Negativity bias is why we need database PR
I've written before how cognitive biases can affect data management. Another bias to add to the list is negativity bias. Simply put, our brains are hardwired to register and dwell on negative stimuli more than positive ones. Which is just another reason why it's important to practice database public relations.
As I write here, database public relations is the practice of taking proactive steps to talk about the good things in your database. Because our brains are hardwired to focus and dwell on "bad things," database PR works to counteract this natural tendency.
Nature abhors a vacuum and no system is in stasis. Either your data is getting better or getting worse, and if it's getting better, it's up to you to tell that to everyone who needs to know.
![]()
Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives
Longfellow and data management
Longfellow and data management “We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing while […]
Do you really need all that historical data?
Do you really need all that historical data? A question I’ll often get from my […]
AI actually requires thinking
AI actually requires thinking “I don’t think AI introduces a new kind of thinking. It […]
It’s not the mistakes, but how you respond
It’s not the mistakes, but how you respond Recently a client was complaining about a bug that […]
The hidden costs of bad data
The hidden costs of bad data Nobody likes bad data, and presumably we’re all working […]
Don’t let your customers edit their names online!
Don’t let your customers edit their names online! This issue came up recently and I […]
Once is an accident, twice is coincidence, three times is a pattern.
Once is an accident, twice is coincidence, three times is a pattern. We’ve probably all […]
“Every association does this.”
“Every association does this.” One of the most significant values I bring to my clients […]
Trust your gut
Trust your gut When I help associations with selection of a new technology system (e.g., […]
“People more frequently require to be reminded than informed.”
“People more frequently require to be reminded than informed.” “People more frequently require to be […]
