Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
When does a good attitude become toxic positivity?
Position‹2 of 3›

Toxic positivity occurs when people are shamed for not being positive all the time

This position holds that positivity becomes toxic once it is socially enforced, so that visible distress carries a penalty and people learn to conceal difficult feelings rather than address them, because showing them invites disapproval.

Supporting arguments · 2

  1. Positivity turns toxic at the point where it stops being offered and starts being required
  2. Shaming distress makes the sufferer answerable for other people's discomfort