Psychology

575 cards. Each one is a 40-second story with a five-minute read behind it. Page 2 of 10.

  1. Should you date a coworker? An organizational psychologist answers common workplace romance questions.Organizational psychologist Amy Nicole Baker explores the complexities of office relationships. This video addresses frequent questions about dating coworkers, the necessity of se…
  2. Why juggling multiple projects might be the secret to your next big breakthroughTim Harford explains how legendary innovators maintain high productivity and inspiration. Instead of focusing on one task at a time, these creative thinkers use a method called sl…
  3. Why silencing women's anger is a dangerous lie that hinders social progressAuthor Soraya Chemaly examines why women are often conditioned to suppress their anger. This talk explores the vital role of rage as a healthy, justified response to indignity and…
  4. Why do we believe the stars dictate our destiny?From 'mercurial' temperaments to 'saturnine' moods, astrological language is deeply embedded in our psyche. Despite a lack of scientific evidence, a significant portion of the pop…
  5. Why your memories often contradict how you actually feltNobel laureate Daniel Kahneman explores why we struggle to define happiness. He reveals that our 'experiencing self' and our 'remembering self' can perceive the same life events i…
  6. Why choosing a life partner requires more than just chemistryWith divorce rates nearing 50% in some regions, psychiatrist George Blair-West explores how to navigate the most significant decision of your life. This talk offers actionable str…
  7. The high cost of our collective obsession with being perfectSocial psychologist Thomas Curran examines how the relentless pursuit of perfection across social media, schools, and workplaces is fueling a mental health crisis. This talk explo…
  8. Why our assumptions about age are stalling workplace progressWe often view the workplace as a clash of generations, but these stereotypes may be creating unnecessary barriers. Social psychologist Leah Georges explores how to move past these…
  9. Why the way you help others dictates your own happinessAltruism is often viewed as a moral duty, but social psychologist Elizabeth Dunn suggests a different perspective. This talk explores how shifting your mindset toward the pleasure…
  10. Why our brains mistake a well-told story for the truthPsychological illusionist Derren Brown uses a mind-reading performance to explore why humans are so easily seduced by simple narratives. Watch to see how magic serves as a metapho…
  11. The hidden cost of the attention economy on your creativityActor Joseph Gordon-Levitt explores how the constant drive for likes and followers can erode our creative spark. He argues that the way big tech companies profit from our attentio…
  12. The invisible psychological toll of a warming planetWhile the physical impacts of climate change are well-documented, the mental and spiritual consequences remain largely overlooked. Science writer Britt Wray explores how a changin…
  13. Is violence an inherent human trait or a communicative act?We often view violence as a breakdown of reason, yet it may be a complex form of communication. By examining the intersection of criminology, psychology, and penology, we can begi…
  14. The haunting psychology of outliving the era that formed usEdith Wharton’s masterpiece explores a uniquely modern ache: the experience of living in a world that has moved on from the values we were raised to believe. It asks how we naviga…
  15. Is violence a disease to be cured or a behavior to be managed?If we call violence a 'treatment' issue, do we risk minimizing the harm of the perpetrator? This tension sits at the heart of modern psychology: whether violent behavior is an ill…
  16. Can psychotherapy treat violence rooted in ideology rather than emotion?Professor Gwen Adshead explores whether traditional psychological treatments can effectively address political and religious violence, examining the complex boundary between indiv…
  17. Why engaging with opposing ideas is a superpower for connectionMost people instinctively avoid conversations that challenge their beliefs. Emily Kasriel argues that leaning into these uncomfortable interactions is actually one of the most eff…
  18. Why our culture prizes the loud while overlooking the quietIn a world that rewards outgoing behavior, introversion is often treated as a flaw rather than a strength. This talk explores why we must shift our perspective to celebrate the un…
  19. Why a world-class violinist was ignored in a subway stationWhen world-renowned violinist Joshua Bell performed in a subway station, most passersby didn't stop. This video explores why context is the invisible architecture of persuasion, u…
  20. Why redefining racism as behavior could make it a solvable problemWe often treat racism as an unchangeable defect of character or a hidden feeling. But what if we viewed it instead as a measurable pattern of actions? By shifting our focus to obs…
  21. Your emotions can physically reshape the anatomy of your heartWe often speak of heartbreak as a metaphor, but for some, it is a literal medical emergency. Intense grief or fear can cause the heart to physically change shape and lose signific…
  22. Depression and anxiety may be signals of unmet human needsJournalist Johann Hari explores why modern mental health struggles might be systemic rather than individual failings. This talk reframes psychological distress as a natural respon…
  23. How child separation at the US-Mexico border reshapes the developing brainSocial worker Luis H. Zayas examines the profound psychological trauma experienced by refugees and asylum-seeking families. This talk analyzes the long-term consequences of contro…
  24. Can a circus performance reveal the psychological power of awe?Neuroscientist Beau Lotto explores the profound benefits of awe through a unique collaboration with Cirque du Soleil, combining scientific research with live performance.
  25. The narratives we tell ourselves can become our own prisonsPsychotherapist Lori Gottlieb explores how the stories we construct to make sense of our lives can actually keep us stuck. This talk offers a practical method for breaking free by…
  26. The devastating psychological toll of long-term isolation in US prisonsWhat happens to the human mind when it is stripped of all significant social contact? Civil rights lawyer Laura Rovner examines the reality of life in supermax prisons.
  27. Why humans remain remarkably bad at giving constructive criticismDespite centuries of trying to improve how we critique one another, effective feedback remains elusive. This video explores a scientifically proven method to master the art of the…
  28. Why your brain sabotages your budget even when you know betterWe often craft meticulous budgets only to watch them crumble during the next outing. This isn't a failure of willpower; it is a complex interplay of psychology, culture, and biolo…
  29. Why feeling like a fraud might be your secret weaponMany high-achievers suffer from impostor syndrome, the persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud. In this talk, Mike Cannon-Brookes explores how this common insecurity can actua…
  30. Is dating a colleague a professional risk or a natural connection?From the ethics of secrecy to the biological pull of proximity, organizational psychologist Amy Nicole Baker examines the complexities of office romance and why we are often drawn…
  31. Why your office thermostat might be a total placeboIn many office buildings, the temperature controls on the wall are purely cosmetic. This video explores how these non-secured devices often do nothing to influence the actual heat…
  32. The neurological link between a wandering mind and lower happinessWhy does our internal monologue often pull us away from joy? This video explores data from a real-time happiness tracking app to reveal how our focus—or lack thereof—dictates our …
  33. Does the digital footprint actually make us more honest?We often assume internet anonymity fuels deception, but Jeff Hancock suggests the opposite might be true. This video explores how the permanence of our online actions could act as…
  34. Why human behavior often follows the same patterns as Pavlov's dogsExplore how the principles of classical conditioning extend far beyond a laboratory setting, influencing everything from our romantic lives to the way we raise our children.
  35. Why having too many choices can actually make us less happyThis video explores a counterintuitive reality of human nature: that excessive choice can lead to doubt. Baba Shiv examines how ceding control, particularly during life-or-death m…
  36. How fear drives the imagination to map out our possible futuresWhen faced with life-altering choices, fear does more than cause panic. It forces us to simulate potential outcomes, acting as a vital tool for survival and decision-making.
  37. Why do victims of domestic violence stay in abusive relationships?It is often assumed that victims leave because they lack the strength to walk away. However, Leslie Morgan Steiner's experience reveals a much more complex reality. Her story chal…
  38. Can we transform climate anxiety into productive environmental action?Feeling overwhelmed by climate change is a normal psychological response. Psychologist Renée Lertzman explores how we can harness these intense emotions to find the resilience and…
  39. How physical barriers create invisible partitions in the human mindDesigner Alexandra Auer explores how erecting a single physical wall unwittingly creates a psychological divide between 'us' and 'them', potentially compromising our collective sa…
  40. Your brain categorizes faces before you even realize it is happeningHuman brains are wired to recognize patterns and make split-second decisions. While this efficiency is a survival trait, it creates a significant psychological hurdle: the cross-r…
  41. Could we strip the sting from our most painful memories?Trauma and PTSD can rewire the brain, triggering destructive emotional responses. This video explores neurologist Amy Milton's research into whether we can eliminate these trigger…
  42. How teachers can model a growth mindset to influence their studentsThis video features Dave Paunesku, executive director of PERTS, discussing the power of teacher modeling. Discover how demonstrating a growth mindset can help students navigate fr…
  43. How do humans learn to read the intentions of others?Humans are uniquely social animals, possessing a symbolic capacity that other primates lack. Through language and storytelling, we navigate complex relationships and imagine diffe…
  44. Why do people break the law? Understanding the criminal mind.Historically, criminals were viewed as fundamentally different from the rest of society. Today, however, modern thinking has shifted. By studying the individual state of mind, psy…
  45. What truly drives human violence? Exploring the underlying risk factors.Professor Gwen Adshead examines the complex variables that contribute to violent behavior. This lecture provides a scholarly look at the drivers of aggression, moving beyond surfa…
  46. Why procrastination is far more complex than mere lazinessIs procrastination a character flaw or something deeper? This video explores the psychological reality behind why we put off important tasks, featuring insights from master procra…
  47. Your brain is a 24/7 powerhouse, not a dormant engine.The idea that we only use 10% of our brains is one of Hollywood's favorite bits of pseudoscience. It suggests that unlocking a hidden 90% could grant us superpowers. In reality, y…
  48. Why some people see faces but cannot recognize themImagine seeing every detail of a person's features, yet being unable to tell them apart. This is the reality for those with prosopagnosia, or face blindness. Once thought to be a …
  49. The Mozart effect is a scientific legend, not a cognitive boostFor decades, we believed a few minutes of classical music could sharpen the mind. From SAT advantages to state-mandated nursery playlists, the hype was massive. However, a massive…
  50. Why does time seem to accelerate as we get older?Ever wonder why a single afternoon can feel like an eternity, yet an entire summer vacation vanishes in an instant? This video explores the psychological mechanics behind our dist…
  51. Why our pursuit of safety often creates a false sense of securityComputer security expert Bruce Schneier explores the gap between feeling safe and being truly secure. This video examines why we invest billions in high-profile 'security theater'…
  52. Why our brains invent memories of things we never actually sawEven when watching a crime unfold from a close distance, your brain might fill in the gaps. This video explores how the human mind creates false memories to satisfy its need for c…
  53. Can you understand the motivations of an Iraqi insurgent?Sociologist Sam Richards challenges his audience to step through the thought process of an Iraqi insurgent. This experiment explores whether it is possible to truly understand ano…
  54. The invisible hand of fortune in our personal success storiesWe often credit our achievements to hard work and merit, but psychologist Barry Schwartz argues that chance plays a much larger role than we care to admit. This talk explores how …
  55. Why your personality might be driving your political identitySocial psychologist Dannagal G. Young explores the psychological link between personality traits and political leanings, examining how our fundamental preferences for order or fle…
  56. Can magic tricks prove that you lack free will?Scientist and illusionist Alice Pailhès uses magic to demonstrate how the brain works and how easily our choices can be subtly influenced.
  57. Why asking for support is an act of courage, according to a former teacherFormer kindergarten teacher YeYoon Kim explores how children can teach us the power of reaching out. This video examines how leaning on loved ones during difficult times can bring…
  58. Can rethinking the hiring process unlock a person's true potential?Traditional job interviews often feel like stressful interrogations that may exclude marginalized populations. This video explores how psychologist and entrepreneur Gil Winch sugg…
  59. Why your body might actually need you to cryCrying is often viewed as a sign of weakness, but it may be a vital biological tool for emotional regulation. This talk explores the science behind how tears can improve both your…
  60. A terrifying nightmare inspired the classic tale of Jekyll and Hyde in 1885Robert Louis Stevenson was so deeply unsettled by a dream in the autumn of 1885 that he scolded his wife for waking him. He believed he was witnessing a fine bogey tale, which he …

All of Ideas & Philosophy Open the feed Latest A–Z