Psychology & Behaviour
Cognition, decision-making, motivation and human behaviour.
The Digital Playbook: Michael Acton Smith on Reimagining Children's Entertainment
An examination of digital disruption in the children's sector, drawing on Michael Acton Smith's insights from the World Economic Forum on the shift from physical toys to connected play.
The Coffee Paradox: Olfactory Magic and the Physiology of Habit
Why coffee smells irresistible but tastes bitter—and how caffeine shields your brain from decline.
The Hidden Knowledge: Why Some Memories Are Yours, But Silent
Examines the cognitive reality behind 'knowing without knowing' and why distinguishing this from deliberate deception remains an elusive forensic challenge.
Beyond IQ: How Actively Open-Minded Thinking Boosts Cognitive Ability
Research shows that the strongest predictor of cognitive excellence isn't speed or raw intelligence, but a trainable behavioral habit: actively open-minded thinking.
When Your Teen Talks to a Bot Instead of You
AI chatbots are replacing human connection for adolescents — not because they're evil, but because they're easier. Here's what that’s doing to their brains, and how we can fix it without banning the tech.
Designing Reentry Paths: Why Resilient Habits Prioritize Enjoyment Over Rigid Discipline
An exploration of the psychological and neurological mechanisms that make habits resilient to disruption, showing why designing for enjoyment and frictionless reentry is more effective than relying on willpower or the fresh start effect.
Why Human Cognition Is the Last Unbroken Competitive Edge
How creativity, emotional intelligence, and ethical reasoning remain irreplaceable as AI reshapes work — and why collaboration, not competition, is the only path forward.
The Hidden Engine of Adaptation: Fluid Intelligence as Mental Agility
Fluid intelligence—the swift, pattern-based reasoning that lets you navigate unfamiliar challenges without relying on stored knowledge—is often overshadowed by crystallized intelligence. This article unpacks its mechanism (working memory), real-world manifestations, belief-updating power, and evidence-based strategies to cultivate it.
Reclaiming Autonomy: How Letting Kids Fall Builds Genuine Emotional Resilience
Why the decline of free play—driven by parent anxiety and digital devices—is the hidden root of pediatric mental health crises, and the case for raising independent, anti-fragile children.
Understanding the Roster Dating Trend: Is Keeping Your Options Open Worth the Risk?
Roster dating, or 'rostering,' involves dating multiple people simultaneously without entering an exclusive relationship. This article explores the psychology behind this trend, the benefits of avoiding premature exclusivity, and the potential pitfalls of managing multiple dating commitments.
Beyond Screen Time: Rethinking How Digital Habits Reshape Our Value of Effort
Moving beyond polarized debates about "digital addiction," a new value-based choice framework explores how algorithmic rewards recalibrate our brain's internal calculation of effort. The research suggests that rather than a decline in cognitive capacity, our decision-making systems are being trained to undervalue the effort required for deep, sustained mastery.
How to Break Up Without Leaving Scars
When your partner feels like a life anchor has been yanked away, be clear, direct, and respectful — and trust that they can handle the truth.