The Human Beast

Why we do what we do

Environment
What Is Wrong With Living Luxuriously?

Nigel Barber Ph.D. on May 20, 2025

Much of our consumption is due to social signaling rather than needs. It is based on social competition and a false assumption that more consumption makes us happier.

Much of our consumption is due to social signaling rather than needs. It is based on social competition and a false assumption that more consumption makes us happier.

Social Media
Why the Internet Veered Right

Nigel Barber Ph.D. on April 17, 2025

As people become more educated, they also become more open-minded. Yet, in the digital era, we are exposed to more information but do not become increasingly liberal.

As people become more educated, they also become more open-minded. Yet, in the digital era, we are exposed to more information but do not become increasingly liberal.

Media
The Origins of the Subjective Assault on Our Way of Life

Nigel Barber Ph.D. on January 9, 2025

Personal Perspective: We are living in an era when feelings are count, and facts and logic play second fiddle. We blame social media for it, but psychology got there first.

Personal Perspective: We are living in an era when feelings are count, and facts and logic play second fiddle. We blame social media for it, but psychology got there first.

Animal Behavior
Can Animals Negotiate?

Nigel Barber Ph.D. on December 21, 2024

Some animals can coexist peacefully while exploiting the same territory. While cats are an intriguing case in point, there are many other examples of negotiated compromise.

Some animals can coexist peacefully while exploiting the same territory. While cats are an intriguing case in point, there are many other examples of negotiated compromise.

Testosterone
Testosterone and Social Status

Nigel Barber Ph.D. on September 26, 2024

Rising testosterone levels produce the increased confidence that accrues to social status as well as increased assertiveness.

Rising testosterone levels produce the increased confidence that accrues to social status as well as increased assertiveness.

Anxiety
Why Smartphones Stimulate Anxiety

Nigel Barber Ph.D. on September 4, 2024

Why is instant communication with virtually anyone on the planet so anxiety-provoking? Electronic communication fails our evolved social needs and triggers helplessness instead.

Why is instant communication with virtually anyone on the planet so anxiety-provoking? Electronic communication fails our evolved social needs and triggers helplessness instead.

Health
Reasons Why Rich People Live So Long

Nigel Barber Ph.D. on August 1, 2024

When residents of a wealthy U.S. zip code live more than a decade longer than a poorer one, we need to ask why.

When residents of a wealthy U.S. zip code live more than a decade longer than a poorer one, we need to ask why.

Optimism
Why Workers Feel So Desperate Now

Nigel Barber Ph.D. on July 16, 2024

At a time of record lows in political and institutional trust, workers have low expectations for their own future. Why are people so glum? Why is this such a political risk?

At a time of record lows in political and institutional trust, workers have low expectations for their own future. Why are people so glum? Why is this such a political risk?

Environment
Should We All Feel Guilt for Climate Change?

Nigel Barber Ph.D. on May 30, 2024

Living an affluent lifestyle may rule our activities. This sense of privilege takes priority over behaving like good environmental stewards.

Living an affluent lifestyle may rule our activities. This sense of privilege takes priority over behaving like good environmental stewards.

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Magazine
July 2025 magazine cover
July 2025
30 Mental Health Tune-ups

Life never gets easier. Fortunately, psychology is keeping up, uncovering new ways to maintain mental and physical health, and positivity and confidence, through manageable daily habits like these. How many are you ready to try?

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Tests
Self Tests
Self Tests

Self Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.