It's possible that it could be ingrained into someone to be negative towards others or focus on negative things.
My mom is a bit of a narcissist. She would always try to get me to fit this standard mode of appearance and conduct so I wouldn't embarrass her. If I did something wrong, or make a mistake, even with homework, she had a way of making me feel stupid. Then she tends to compare me to others. Sometimes it's snearing at someone else she thinks looks sloppy or has a voice that sounds unpleasant to her. I often wonder if she would get me de-voiced if I spoke with a raspy or "annoying" voice.
I tend to focus negatively on things, but I'm aware of it and try not to do that. But nonetheless, I'm drawn to darkness and negative aspects. I think this is natural as villains and the bad news always peaks the interest of people, in general. That's why the news mainly has bad news in it and why people are more quick to take notice when kids are misbehaving. I personally think it's a natural human inclination rather than an addiction.