Chicken Littleism (noun)
/ˈtʃɪk.ɪn ˈlɪt.əl.ɪz.əm/
Definition:
The persistent tendency to exaggerate threats, predict imminent disaster, or
sound alarms about societal, environmental, or technological
change, often regardless of, or in opposition to, contrary
evidence. This mindset is marked by a reflexive belief that progress leads to catastrophe and a reluctance to acknowledge stability or positive trends, especially when such trends undermine a narrative of inevitable decline.
Etymology:
Derived from the
folk tale character Chicken Little, who panics and declares “the sky is falling” after being struck by a falling object, symbolizing alarmism or unfounded fear.
In social commentary:
Chicken Littleism describes the psychological and social investment in a narrative of continuous crisis, where contrary
evidence provokes not reassessment, but further entrenchment and often emotional backlash. It is tied to an identity or worldview dependent on the expectation of worrisome decline rather than measured observation of continuity or progress.
* Policymakers accused of
Chicken Littleism continue to warn about collapse, despite data showing decades of stability.
* The refusal to acknowledge photographic
evidence of
stable shorelines was dismissed as Chicken Littleism.