pop culture
Representations of mental health in pop culture; dissect and discuss popular psychology, mental illness stigmas, and media depictions.
Logos and Labels: The Psychology Behind Status Signaling in Different Social Classes
Introduction In modern consumer culture, logos are everywhere: stitched across jackets, emblazoned on handbags, and printed on shoes. But an intriguing paradox emerges upon closer inspection: luxury brands with large, conspicuous logos are often more popular among consumers from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, while the wealthiest individuals tend to favor high-end, logo-free fashion. This pattern is not accidental. It reflects deep psychological and sociocultural dynamics that shape the ways people express identity, seek validation, and signal status.
By Siria De Simone7 months ago in Psyche
What Is Self-Compassion and Why It’s More Helpful Than Self-Esteem
Introduction In a world where achievement, performance, and confidence are often seen as the keys to happiness and success, self-esteem has long been touted as a central pillar of mental well-being. Schools, therapists, and even motivational speakers have emphasized the need to "boost self-esteem" to feel better, be more resilient, and thrive in relationships and careers. But what if the constant quest for self-esteem leaves us more vulnerable, more anxious, and more self-critical?
By Siria De Simone7 months ago in Psyche
Mental Burnout: Psychological Causes and Solutions
Introduction In an era defined by relentless productivity, high expectations, and constant connectivity, mental burnout has become a silent epidemic. Often mistaken for mere exhaustion, burnout is a multifaceted psychological condition that can erode one’s emotional well-being, cognitive function, and overall quality of life. It is no longer confined to corporate boardrooms or high-stress professions; students, caregivers, freelancers, and even teenagers are reporting symptoms of burnout in increasing numbers.
By Siria De Simone7 months ago in Psyche
The Brainrot Phenomenon: Why Nonsense Memes Stick in Our Minds
Introduction In recent months, a peculiar genre of internet content has taken over Italian social media platforms. Known colloquially as brainrot, these viral audio-visual memes consist of nonsensical phrases like "Trulimero trulicina," "Bombardiro crocodilo," and "Tum tum tum saur," often accompanied by exaggerated voices, flashy animations, and erratic rhythms. While at first glance these pieces seem meaningless or childish, their rapid spread and emotional grip on users raise an intriguing psychological question: why do such nonsensical catchphrases lodge so firmly in our brains?
By Siria De Simone7 months ago in Psyche
Why Do We Sabotage Our Own Goals?
Every year, millions of people around the world set goals—personal, professional, financial, or health-related—with the best of intentions. Yet despite motivation and planning, many find themselves backsliding, procrastinating, or outright abandoning their goals. This phenomenon, often called self-sabotage, can be perplexing and frustrating. Why would anyone consciously or unconsciously work against something they genuinely desire?
By Siria De Simone7 months ago in Psyche
How to Improve Emotional Intelligence
In a world where academic success and technical expertise often dominate the conversation, it's easy to overlook the quieter, more personal form of intelligence that governs how we relate to ourselves and others: emotional intelligence. Coined by psychologists and made popular by Daniel Goleman, emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to understand and manage our emotions, as well as recognize and influence the emotions of those around us. While IQ might get your foot in the door, it is EQ that often determines how far you go.
By Siria De Simone7 months ago in Psyche
The Body Language of Relationships
In every relationship—romantic, platonic, professional, or familial—communication is key. But not all communication happens through words. In fact, research suggests that over 60% of human communication is nonverbal, conveyed through body posture, facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, and tone of voice. This silent dialogue is especially powerful in intimate and emotionally charged relationships, where our bodies often speak before our minds can form a sentence.
By Siria De Simone7 months ago in Psyche
10 Things That Instantly Make Your Life More Peaceful
Peace isn’t found in a faraway place. It’s built in small decisions, quiet choices, and daily habits. We chase happiness, success, love — and in the process, we forget the one thing that truly sustains us: peace.
By SHADOW-WRITES7 months ago in Psyche
Leveling Up the Mind: The Psychological Benefits of Video Games in Childhood and Adolescence
In the past, video games have often been blamed for promooting violence, addiction, and social withdrawal in children and adolescents. While certain types of games—and excessive play—may indeed have negative consequences, a growing body of psychological research challenges the one-sided narrative. Not only can video games be entertaining, but they can also offer measurable cognitive, emotional, and social benefits, particularly when played in moderation and within supportive environments.
By Siria De Simone7 months ago in Psyche
