Introduction Most people have experienced the peculiar phenomenon of a song looping in their minds long after it has stopped playing. This involuntary mental replay of music is known as an “earworm,” or, in scientific terms, involuntary musical imagery (INMI). Earworms can be pleasant, mildly irritating, or even disruptive, depending on their persistence and the …
Why “Earworms” Get Stuck and 4 Unique Ways to Cope With It Read More »
Introduction Nostalgia is often understood as a sentimental longing for the past, typically for events or periods that one personally experienced. However, a curious variant exists: a yearning for times and places one has never lived through. This feeling—sometimes referred to as anemoia—can arise when individuals become emotionally attached to an era through stories, media, …
Why Some People Feel Nostalgia for Eras They Never Lived In and 3 Key Benefits of It Read More »
Introduction Many travelers are familiar with the euphoric anticipation before a journey—the thrill of exploration, novelty, and escape from routine. Yet fewer anticipate the emotional dip that can occur after returning home. Commonly called post-travel blues or post-vacation blues, this phenomenon involves feelings of sadness, restlessness, and dissatisfaction following a trip. These symptoms can be …
Post-Travel Blues and 5 Important Ways to Cope With It Read More »
Introduction Conspiracy theories thrive in times of uncertainty. While some view believers as misinformed or paranoid, emerging research suggests a deeper explanation: loneliness. Social disconnection may be the key driver behind many people’s adherence to it. Read More: Conspiracy Theory Understanding the Appeal Belief in it offers: A sense of control over unpredictable events A …
Are Conspiracy Theorists Just Lonely? 3 Important Ways to Understand Their Appeal Read More »
Introduction Even in the absence of tone and facial expressions, emotions ripple through group chats and online platforms. This phenomenon—emotional contagion—explains how one person’s mood can influence an entire digital community. Understanding this mechanism sheds light on both the uplifting and toxic dynamics of online life. Read More: Emotions SOS Defining Emotional Contagion Emotional …
Emotional Contagion with Important Position and Negative Effects of It Read More »
Introduction Self-deception or secrets from oneself is the act of lying to oneself—is more than just denial; it’s a psychological survival tactic. People often deceive themselves to protect their self-image, reduce emotional pain, or maintain social harmony. Though it may seem irrational, self-deception serves functional roles, deeply rooted in both evolutionary and cognitive psychology. …
3 Reasons Why People Keep Secrets (From Themselves) Read More »
Introduction In the age of rapid technological advancement, artificial intelligence (AI) has become our virtual co-pilot. From composing essays and summarizing research to suggesting what to eat for dinner, AI tools like ChatGPT have embedded themselves into our daily routines. But beneath this convenience lies a subtle cognitive cost. Are we still thinking deeply, or …
Does AI Change How We Think? 5 Signs That You Are Relying Too Much On It Read More »
Introduction Imagine walking into a room and feeling someone’s presence, even though they’re not there. Or reading a text message that conveys disappointment—without a single emotion word. Psychology asks us to pause and consider: Why do the habitual ghosts in our lives affect us so deeply? And why does what’s unsaid sometimes speak louder than …
What are Habitual Ghosts and 3 Common Senarios Where They Are Present Read More »
Introduction Over the past decade, social media has transitioned from a recreational outlet to an influential source of information and guidance. In particular, mental health professionals have increasingly leveraged platforms like TikTok to reach broader, often underserved, populations. The platform’s short-form video format lends itself to digestible explanations of psychological phenomena such as anxiety, trauma, …
Therapists on TikTok and 4 Important Ethical Concerns It Brings Read More »
Introduction In an increasingly fast-paced world, individuals often find themselves juggling numerous obligations, responsibilities, and unfinished tasks. This “mental clutter” can disrupt attention, impair productivity, and foster anxiety. Mental clutter refers to the accumulation of unresolved cognitive demands that continue to occupy attention even when one attempts to focus elsewhere (Masicampo & Baumeister, 2011). This …
The Psychology of Mental Clutter and 4 Important Strategies to Manage It Read More »
