The Asylum

Social Networking

The Doppelgänger: Social Media and the Mr. Hyde Effect

Troy Rondinone Ph.D. on June 5, 2026

Social media presents worrisome opportunities for some of us to create toxic, monstrous versions of ourselves.

Social media presents worrisome opportunities for some of us to create toxic, monstrous versions of ourselves.

Media

Identifiable Monsters: The Appeal of Darth Maul

Troy Rondinone Ph.D. on May 4, 2026

How the new Disney+ series "Star Wars: Maul—Shadow Lord" highlights our human need to easily identify threatening people.

How the new Disney+ series "Star Wars: Maul—Shadow Lord" highlights our human need to easily identify threatening people.

Freudian Psychology

The Enduring Power of the Anti-mother

Troy Rondinone Ph.D. on April 6, 2026

From Bram Stoker's "Dracula" to HBO's "Sharp Objects," the enduring trope of the "anti-mother" lives on, thanks, in part, to Freud.

From Bram Stoker's "Dracula" to HBO's "Sharp Objects," the enduring trope of the "anti-mother" lives on, thanks, in part, to Freud.

Imagination

The Black Dahlia Murder and the Power of Storytelling

Troy Rondinone Ph.D. on March 5, 2026

One of the most infamous unsolved murders in America has long been enshrouded by mythic storytelling. Why is this?

One of the most infamous unsolved murders in America has long been enshrouded by mythic storytelling. Why is this?

Media

Curing Zombies in "The Bone Temple"

Troy Rondinone Ph.D. on February 4, 2026

In a new zombie movie, we get a glimpse from the perspective of the undead—and the hope for a cure.

In a new zombie movie, we get a glimpse from the perspective of the undead—and the hope for a cure.

Trauma

The Healing Power of Art

Troy Rondinone Ph.D. on January 5, 2026

A survivor of Japanese American internment in WWII, legendary sculptor Isamu Noguchi shows us how art can help heal our traumas.

A survivor of Japanese American internment in WWII, legendary sculptor Isamu Noguchi shows us how art can help heal our traumas.

Media

Why So Many People Believe in Monsters

Troy Rondinone Ph.D. on December 2, 2025

Cryptid beliefs can contribute to community building.

Cryptid beliefs can contribute to community building.

Cognition

Solving the Riddle of Jack the Ripper

Troy Rondinone Ph.D. on November 3, 2025

Is researching Jack the Ripper healthy? The answer seems to be "yes."

Is researching Jack the Ripper healthy? The answer seems to be "yes."

Gender

Toxic (and Healthy) Masculinity in 'The Long Walk'

Troy Rondinone Ph.D. on October 3, 2025

The latest Stephen King horror film offers audiences lessons in both toxic and positive masculinity.

The latest Stephen King horror film offers audiences lessons in both toxic and positive masculinity.

Fear

"Weapons" and the Ultimate Fear

Troy Rondinone Ph.D. on September 2, 2025

We should not be so shocked that the small horror movie "Weapons" is doing so well. It taps a major fear.

We should not be so shocked that the small horror movie "Weapons" is doing so well. It taps a major fear.

Artificial Intelligence

Is AI Out to Get Us?

Troy Rondinone Ph.D. on July 31, 2025

Does AI pose an existential threat? Coming up with an answer invites us to look back at the most famous sci-fi film of all time.

Does AI pose an existential threat? Coming up with an answer invites us to look back at the most famous sci-fi film of all time.

Fear

A "Jaws"-Eye View: Predators and the Function of Fear

Troy Rondinone Ph.D. on July 3, 2025

This year "Jaws" celebrates its 50th anniversary. Its success reflects the enduring importance of our most ancient fear: being hunted.

This year "Jaws" celebrates its 50th anniversary. Its success reflects the enduring importance of our most ancient fear: being hunted.

Media

The Role of Vampires in the Film 'Sinners'

Troy Rondinone Ph.D. on June 3, 2025

In Ryan Coogler's hit horror film, the vampires are more than monsters, they teach us about history, death, and repression.

In Ryan Coogler's hit horror film, the vampires are more than monsters, they teach us about history, death, and repression.

Psychopathy

The Allure of the Psychopath Father

Troy Rondinone Ph.D. on May 5, 2025

In his recent film "Trap," director M. Night Shyamalan puts a new twist on the psychopath—this time, playing the role of the Good Father.

In his recent film "Trap," director M. Night Shyamalan puts a new twist on the psychopath—this time, playing the role of the Good Father.

False Memories

Charles Manson and the Enigma of Mind Control

Troy Rondinone Ph.D. on April 3, 2025

A new Netflix documentary suggests that the notorious Charles Manson may have used CIA mind-control techniques. Is this possible?

A new Netflix documentary suggests that the notorious Charles Manson may have used CIA mind-control techniques. Is this possible?

Diet

On Food and Mental Health: A Strange History

Troy Rondinone Ph.D. on March 4, 2025

Americans have long, strange history of connecting bad food to poor mental health.

Americans have long, strange history of connecting bad food to poor mental health.

Cognition

The Mind of a Zombie

Troy Rondinone Ph.D. on February 3, 2025

Personal Perspective: What if zombies can think? If so, what would this tell us about being human?

Personal Perspective: What if zombies can think? If so, what would this tell us about being human?

Psychiatry

Excavating the History of Madness With "Nosferatu"

Troy Rondinone Ph.D. on January 3, 2025

The latest vampire movie, "Nosferatu," offers audiences historical insights into mental incarceration and a new kind of female hero.

The latest vampire movie, "Nosferatu," offers audiences historical insights into mental incarceration and a new kind of female hero.

Mania

Reckoning With the History of Mental Healthcare

Troy Rondinone Ph.D. on December 3, 2024

Coming to terms with mental healthcare's messy past is essential in moving forward. The founder of American psychiatry is a case in point.

Coming to terms with mental healthcare's messy past is essential in moving forward. The founder of American psychiatry is a case in point.

Traumatic Brain Injury

How Harriet Tubman’s Disability Helped Shape Her

Troy Rondinone Ph.D. on November 4, 2024

Understanding brain trauma helps humanize the legend, Harriet Tubman.

Understanding brain trauma helps humanize the legend, Harriet Tubman.