It's Catching

Emotional Contagion

AI Hysteria: Is the Sky Really Falling?

Robert Bartholomew Ph.D. on August 23, 2026

Fears over artificial intelligence reflect longstanding anxieties around new technologies

Fears over artificial intelligence reflect longstanding anxieties around new technologies

Politics

The ‘Havana Syndrome’ Payout: When the Nocebo Effect Wins the Lottery

Robert Bartholomew Ph.D. on July 14, 2026

Why is the U.S. government giving money to victims of a nonexistent condition?

Why is the U.S. government giving money to victims of a nonexistent condition?

Conspiracy Theories

The Mystery of the Dead and Missing Research Scientists

Robert Bartholomew Ph.D. on April 22, 2026

Why are we quick to see a conspiracy in coincidence?

Why are we quick to see a conspiracy in coincidence?

Social Media

Why Your Kids Can’t Stop Squishing NeeDoh

Robert Bartholomew Ph.D. on April 16, 2026

Meet NeeDoh—the latest incarnation of the 1980s stress ball craze.

Meet NeeDoh—the latest incarnation of the 1980s stress ball craze.

Psychology

What’s Behind the Peptide Craze?

Robert Bartholomew Ph.D. on January 20, 2026

Social Influencers and celebrities are driving the dangerous trend.

Social Influencers and celebrities are driving the dangerous trend.

Anxiety

The Psychology Behind the European Drone Scare

Robert Bartholomew Ph.D. on September 25, 2025

The extent of the European drone panic may be a form of collective anxiety attack.

The extent of the European drone panic may be a form of collective anxiety attack.

Social Life

What's Behind the “6-7” Fad

Robert Bartholomew Ph.D. on September 15, 2025

Why fad phrases like "6-7" spread so quickly, and then fade away.

Why fad phrases like "6-7" spread so quickly, and then fade away.

Anxiety

Why Rumors Thrive in Times of Crises

Robert Bartholomew Ph.D. on September 13, 2025

The killing of an activist has unleashed a flood of rumors online.

The killing of an activist has unleashed a flood of rumors online.

Anxiety

Mystery Illness at Heathrow Airport

Robert Bartholomew Ph.D. on September 9, 2025

A "mystery illness" at Heathrow Airport may have been mass suggestion.

A "mystery illness" at Heathrow Airport may have been mass suggestion.

President Donald Trump

The “Trump Is Dead” Rumor

Robert Bartholomew Ph.D. on September 1, 2025

Rumors of Trump's death explained.

Rumors of Trump's death explained.

Fear

Pins, Needles, and Paranoia: The French Needle Panic of 2025

Robert Bartholomew Ph.D. on August 7, 2025

France experiences a national panic attack over the fear of needle-spiking.

France experiences a national panic attack over the fear of needle-spiking.

Psychology

Teaching by the Moon in New Zealand

Robert Bartholomew Ph.D. on May 6, 2025

Should New Zealand educators be basing their teaching practice on the phase of the Moon?

Should New Zealand educators be basing their teaching practice on the phase of the Moon?

Psychology

There Is a Good Chance You Have "Havana Syndrome"

Robert Bartholomew Ph.D. on January 20, 2025

A substantial number of Americans qualify as having "Havana Syndrome."

A substantial number of Americans qualify as having "Havana Syndrome."

Intelligence

Whistleblower Alleges 'Havana Syndrome' Coverup

Robert Bartholomew Ph.D. on January 7, 2025

Personal Perspective: Regarding the explosive new "Havana syndrome" claims—could the answer be found in psychology?

Personal Perspective: Regarding the explosive new "Havana syndrome" claims—could the answer be found in psychology?

Anxiety

What's Behind the "Toxic Fog" Panic

Robert Bartholomew Ph.D. on January 4, 2025

We often don't notice something until someone else points it out.

We often don't notice something until someone else points it out.

Social Media

Chlamydia Hysteria at the Gym

Robert Bartholomew Ph.D. on December 21, 2024

A social media post has triggered panic over the possibility that gym equipment can spread an STD.

A social media post has triggered panic over the possibility that gym equipment can spread an STD.

Anxiety

Lessons From the Drone Scare of 2019

Robert Bartholomew Ph.D. on December 18, 2024

Heeding lessons from the 2019 Drone Scare.

Heeding lessons from the 2019 Drone Scare.

Media

The Great Drone Scare Explained

Robert Bartholomew Ph.D. on December 16, 2024

Social Psychology 101 can help us understand the unease over mass drone sightings.

Social Psychology 101 can help us understand the unease over mass drone sightings.

Psychology

Social Panic Over Drones Sweeps America

Robert Bartholomew Ph.D. on December 13, 2024

What's driving America’s drone scare?

What's driving America’s drone scare?

Anxiety

The Great Pet-Eating Panic

Robert Bartholomew Ph.D. on November 2, 2024

Tales of migrants eating pets in Springfield, Ohio, are the latest in a long line of similar accusations stretching back through our nation's history. Why do they spread?

Tales of migrants eating pets in Springfield, Ohio, are the latest in a long line of similar accusations stretching back through our nation's history. Why do they spread?