Story Over Spreadsheet

The convergence of marketing, technology, and psychology

Guilt
In Defense of Your Guilty Pleasures

Eric Solomon Ph.D. on March 31, 2026

The things you'd never admit to enjoying—those little guilty pleasures—might be doing more for you psychologically than you realize.

The things you'd never admit to enjoying—those little guilty pleasures—might be doing more for you psychologically than you realize.

Artificial Intelligence
When Thinking Becomes Optional

Eric Solomon Ph.D. on January 7, 2026

AI is doing more than changing jobs—it's changing how people think under pressure. A classroom revealed what’s quietly disappearing, and what education must now protect.

AI is doing more than changing jobs—it's changing how people think under pressure. A classroom revealed what’s quietly disappearing, and what education must now protect.

Fear
How Doing More Makes You Feel Like Less

Eric Solomon Ph.D. on November 10, 2025

We’ve mistaken motion for meaning. Here’s why doing more makes you feel like less, and what it takes to feel alive again.

We’ve mistaken motion for meaning. Here’s why doing more makes you feel like less, and what it takes to feel alive again.

Relationships
Don't Apologize for Spreading Joy

Eric Solomon Ph.D. on September 3, 2025

Joy has become taboo. Here’s why hiding good news is eroding us—and how to share it in ways that restore resilience and strength.

Joy has become taboo. Here’s why hiding good news is eroding us—and how to share it in ways that restore resilience and strength.

Artificial Intelligence
Your AI Soulmate Isn't Real

Eric Solomon Ph.D. on June 26, 2025

AI isn’t just a tool anymore. It’s becoming our companion, our confidant, even our mirror. But what are we losing when it feels like it truly knows us?

AI isn’t just a tool anymore. It’s becoming our companion, our confidant, even our mirror. But what are we losing when it feels like it truly knows us?

Consumer Behavior
How We Learned to Buy Our Feelings

Eric Solomon Ph.D. on May 27, 2025

We’ve been sold the idea that inner peace is something we can buy. Here’s why that story keeps us stuck—and the hard truth no product can fix.

We’ve been sold the idea that inner peace is something we can buy. Here’s why that story keeps us stuck—and the hard truth no product can fix.

Loneliness
The Hidden Psychology of Connection

Eric Solomon Ph.D. on May 6, 2025

Loneliness is rewiring our brains, but real connection is still within reach. Here's what psychology reveals about why we disconnect—and how to return to what matters.

Loneliness is rewiring our brains, but real connection is still within reach. Here's what psychology reveals about why we disconnect—and how to return to what matters.

Fear
Why Corporate America Is Running From DEI

Eric Solomon Ph.D. on March 25, 2025

Corporate America once called diversity, equity, and inclusion a business necessity. Now, it's vanishing. Why? The answer isn't strategy—it's fear and nostalgia.

Corporate America once called diversity, equity, and inclusion a business necessity. Now, it's vanishing. Why? The answer isn't strategy—it's fear and nostalgia.

Leadership
The Alpha Leadership Lie

Eric Solomon Ph.D. on February 5, 2025

Gold chains. Cage fights. Tech-bro swagger. Is this leadership? Real leaders build trust, not fear. The best teams follow strength, not dominance. Who would you rather follow?

Gold chains. Cage fights. Tech-bro swagger. Is this leadership? Real leaders build trust, not fear. The best teams follow strength, not dominance. Who would you rather follow?

Attention
The Death of Patience

Eric Solomon Ph.D. on January 16, 2025

We’ve lost the ability to wait—and it’s breaking us. Here’s why impatience is stealing our lives and how to take back control.

We’ve lost the ability to wait—and it’s breaking us. Here’s why impatience is stealing our lives and how to take back control.

Authenticity
How to Tell Stories That Move Mountains

Eric Solomon Ph.D. on December 1, 2024

Unlock the power of elevated storytelling by transforming your experiences into universally impactful connections that inspire and resonate.

Unlock the power of elevated storytelling by transforming your experiences into universally impactful connections that inspire and resonate.

Happiness
The Secret to True Fulfillment

Eric Solomon Ph.D. on November 3, 2024

Fulfillment isn't about what you do or why you do it—it's about who you're doing it with. Learn how "starting with who" can transform your happiness and success.

Fulfillment isn't about what you do or why you do it—it's about who you're doing it with. Learn how "starting with who" can transform your happiness and success.

Career
Stop Focusing on ROI

Eric Solomon Ph.D. on October 14, 2024

Feeling exhausted from giving more than you get? Learn how to measure your Return on Energy (ROE) and reclaim balance in your life—boosting productivity, happiness, and well-being.

Feeling exhausted from giving more than you get? Learn how to measure your Return on Energy (ROE) and reclaim balance in your life—boosting productivity, happiness, and well-being.

Decision-Making
How to Manufacture Luck

Eric Solomon Ph.D. on August 26, 2024

Tired of your digital routine? Learn how to spark spontaneous, joyful moments and unlock unexpected wonder in daily life.

Tired of your digital routine? Learn how to spark spontaneous, joyful moments and unlock unexpected wonder in daily life.

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Magazine
March 2026 magazine cover
March 2026
The Friend Effect: 23 Surprising Ways Other People Shape You

Having friends protects you in multiple ways, from slowing cellular aging to deterring bullies to bolstering your self-esteem.

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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.

Self Assessments
Quizzes