The Public Sphere

Polarization, polls, and what people are talking about.

We don't always see things the same way.
Social Media
The Psychology of Misunderstandings Online

Rebecca Dolgin on January 13, 2026

Even when people see the same content—whether a video or a tweet—they often interpret it differently through the lens of their identities and beliefs.

Even when people see the same content—whether a video or a tweet—they often interpret it differently through the lens of their identities and beliefs.

There's a lot you might not notice
Social Media
The Real Dangers of Social Media

Rebecca Dolgin on June 5, 2025

The real dangers of social media aren't the algorithms or trolls. They're about the blind spots in your own mind.

The real dangers of social media aren't the algorithms or trolls. They're about the blind spots in your own mind.

Artificial Intelligence
Can ChatGPT Think Now?

Rebecca Dolgin on June 6, 2024

Much of the hype and controversy surrounding large language models revolves around how we define words like intelligence, mind, and thinking.

Much of the hype and controversy surrounding large language models revolves around how we define words like intelligence, mind, and thinking.

Persuasion
Why We Know We’re Right About Controversial Topics

Rebecca Dolgin on December 27, 2023

We've long known that others can influence our opinions, but new thinking suggests it is not as straightforward as once thought. Here's how the hive mind works.

We've long known that others can influence our opinions, but new thinking suggests it is not as straightforward as once thought. Here's how the hive mind works.

Media
The Medium Is Still the Message

Rebecca Dolgin on August 23, 2023

A closer look at how each presidential candidate on the debate stage announced their candidacy and what it says about their politics.

A closer look at how each presidential candidate on the debate stage announced their candidacy and what it says about their politics.

Social Networking
Worth Sharing

Rebecca Dolgin on May 20, 2023

Many Twitter users are saying they plan to leave the platform, but where will they go—and will things really be different there?

Many Twitter users are saying they plan to leave the platform, but where will they go—and will things really be different there?

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Magazine
September 2026 magazine cover
September 2026
The Power of Enough

We’re all holding onto something we’re sure we can’t give up on, but research shows that letting go can boost our happiness a lot more than we might think.

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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