Alarmism connotes attempts to excite fears or giving warnings of great danger in a manner that is amplified, overemphasized or unwarranted.
In the news media, alarmism can often be found in the form of yellow journalism where reports sensationalise a story to exaggerate small risks.
[1] The alarmist person is subject to the cognitive distortion of catastrophizing – of always expecting the worst of possible futures.
[2] They may also be seeking to preserve feelings of omnipotence by trying to generate anxiety, apprehension and concern in others.
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