Valley Girl With a Brain

Questioning, like, everything

Jen Kim

5 Disturbing Facts About Phone Snubbing

How friend phone snubbing or “Fphubbing” can hurt your relationships.

Are Your Friends Richer, More Popular and More Attractive than You?

The answer is yes, but it doesn't tell the whole story.

How Animals Flirt and What We Can Learn from Them

Love may be as deceptive, messy, and complicated for animals as it is for us.

The Fascinating Psychology of Scents and Smells

Do you smell like urine or vanilla? The answer depends on the sniffer's genes. 

How Anti-Vax Propaganda Succeeded in Japan

We've been here before: Lessons from the rise of disinformation during Japan's HPV vaccine rollout.

6 Truths to Remember When You Feel Like You're Not Good Enough

Truth No. 3: Not being perfect makes you a better human.

Is Popularity Genetic?

How genetics might be the key to flying up the social ladder. 

Want to Cut Down on Eating Meat? Just Look at It

New research suggests even meat-eaters are disgusted by meat.

Should You Say 'I Love You' First?

Three things to consider before you reveal your feelings before your partner does. 

For the Love of the Grudge: Resentment Feels Good

Grudges give us permission to become victims—and enjoy all the perks that come along with it.

For the Love of the Grudge: Why We Can't Forgive or Forget

Are we taught to be vindictive or is it inherently in our DNA? The answer may surprise you.

Should You Be the "Bigger" Person?

Here's the right way to "win" an argument.

What Drives Us to Donate?

Why do you open your wallet to some charities but not others? Science has some answers. 

Why We Sometimes Feel Good When Bad Things Happen to Others

Why you feel good when bad things happen to others, and why it’s OK.

Does It Pay to Be a Jerk?

Shut up and read this. Here's why it doesn’t pay to be aggressive in the workplace.

The Case for Playing Hard to Get

When it comes to securing a mate, we want a challenge. 

The Secret to Mastering Acceptance

Don't try to change things you can't control—do this instead.

What We Forgot About History's Deadliest Pandemic

Déjà flu? Much of what we're experiencing with COVID-19 already happened to us a century ago,

5 Unexpected Facts About Kissing

Here's why couples move to the right when they kiss.

A Practical Guide for Dating During a Pandemic 

Why we're wired to fall in love during pandemics and how to do it safely.

Power Imbalances in Relationships, Explained

Here’s how to have the upper hand in your relationship—and why it may not be such a good thing.

Should You Talk to Strangers?

Rethinking stranger danger: Why we seek comfort from people we don’t know.

Why We Panic Buy and What We Should Do Instead

How panic buying does more harm than good in times of crisis.

What Are Your Chances of Having a Boy or a Girl?

Here's how evolutionary theory can predict your ultrasound.

What Coronavirus Teaches Us About Racism: A Dose of Empathy

Part 2: Not all deadly diseases are treated the same.

What Coronavirus Teaches Us About Racism: Xenophobia Spreads

Part 1: Not all deadly diseases are treated the same.

5 TED Talks That Will Give You Hope

Feeling hopeless? These 5 TED Talks will inspire you during the holidays (or whenever you need it).

How to Monetize Your Grief: Rating Hardship

Rating hardships is not as hard as you think—especially on sites like GoFundMe.

How to Monetize Your Grief: It Isn't Pretty

Rating hardships is not as hard as you think—especially on sites like GoFundMe.

What Makes People So Gullible?

Who falls for get-rich-quick schemes, psychics, and fake news? And why.

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