pop culture
Representations of mental health in pop culture; dissect and discuss popular psychology, mental illness stigmas, and media depictions.
Pixels of Aggression: Understanding How Violent Games Influence Young Minds
In the digital age, video games have evolved into one of the most popular forms of entertainment for children and adolescents. From intricate storylines and high-definition graphics to interactive multiplayer experiences, gaming has become deeply embedded in youth culture. But alongside its rising popularity, a longstanding debate continues to stir concern: do violent video games influence aggressive behavior in young people?
By Siria De Simone7 months ago in Psyche
The Secret to a Meaningful Life: Unlocking the Power of Ikigai
In today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world, it’s easy to feel lost, burned out, or unsure of our place in life. We chase productivity, success, and validation, often without pausing to ask a simple yet profound question: Why am I doing this? That’s where Ikigai comes in—a centuries-old Japanese philosophy that offers a refreshing and grounded path to fulfillment. More than just a trendy buzzword, Ikigai is a deeply personal journey of discovering what makes life worth living.
By Siria De Simone7 months ago in Psyche
10 Signs of People You Should Never Let Go
In life, we often talk about who to walk away from — toxic people, fake friends, emotional vampires. But we don’t talk enough about who to keep close. The rare, gentle souls who bring out the best in you. The ones who stand by you without conditions. These people are not loud about their love — but their presence heals.
By SHADOW-WRITES8 months ago in Psyche
The Worst Thing in This World: Depression — And How to Break Free
There’s a kind of pain the world doesn’t understand. It doesn’t leave bruises. It doesn’t cry out in public. It doesn’t always look like sadness. Sometimes, it looks like silence. Like sleeping too much. Like staring at the ceiling at 3AM feeling nothing at all.
By SHADOW-WRITES8 months ago in Psyche
The Second Floor Needs to Be Submerged
In a world where we often think about rising above challenges, what if sometimes the solution lies beneath the surface—literally? The phrase “The second floor needs to be submerged” may sound like a strange directive, but it can be unpacked on multiple levels—literal, metaphorical, and even philosophical. Whether taken as a literal architectural challenge or as a symbol for transformation, submerging the second floor invites us to rethink stability, change, and adaptation.
By Anees Kaleem8 months ago in Psyche
10 Signs of Toxic People — And How to Protect Your Peace
They might be charming. They might even call you their best friend, partner, or “ride or die.” But something feels off. You leave every interaction with them feeling tired, small, or strangely guilty — and you can’t explain why.
By SHADOW-WRITES8 months ago in Psyche
When You Feel Nothing: The Quiet Struggle of Emotional Numbness
Some days, you're not sad. You're not angry. You're not happy either. You just *exist* — moving through time like a shadow of yourself. You smile when you should. You respond when spoken to. You say, “I’m fine,” and maybe you even believe it for a second. But deep down, there’s… nothing.
By SHADOW-WRITES8 months ago in Psyche


