Unserious Psychology

Artificial Intelligence

Who's Afraid of AI—and Why?

Michael E. W. Varnum Ph.D. on December 15, 2023

Recent developments in artificial intelligence have raised some concerns. New studies in psychology shed light on who fears AI and why.

Recent developments in artificial intelligence have raised some concerns. New studies in psychology shed light on who fears AI and why.

Mandela Effect

The Psychology Behind the Mandela Effect

Michael E. W. Varnum Ph.D. on December 5, 2023

Many have experienced the "Mandela Effect." Some believe that the past has been subtly changed or that we live in a divergent reality. Here's what psychology has to say.

Many have experienced the "Mandela Effect." Some believe that the past has been subtly changed or that we live in a divergent reality. Here's what psychology has to say.

Boredom

Why and When the Familiar Feels Good

Michael E. W. Varnum Ph.D. on October 24, 2023

We all love the thrill of experiencing something new. However, recent research can help us understand the powerful appeal of the familiar.

We all love the thrill of experiencing something new. However, recent research can help us understand the powerful appeal of the familiar.

Cross-Cultural Psychology

Where Do Cultural Differences Come From?

Michael E. W. Varnum Ph.D. on September 18, 2023

New work suggests that basic features of our environments may hold the key to solving this puzzle.

New work suggests that basic features of our environments may hold the key to solving this puzzle.

Animal Behavior

Do Animals Have Culture?

Michael E. W. Varnum Ph.D. on September 5, 2023

We often think of culture as uniquely human. A growing body of evidence challenges that view.

We often think of culture as uniquely human. A growing body of evidence challenges that view.

Environment

How the Seasons Affect Our Psychology

Michael E. W. Varnum Ph.D. on July 27, 2023

Most of us are familiar with wintertime blues, but the seasons affect much more than just our mood.

Most of us are familiar with wintertime blues, but the seasons affect much more than just our mood.

Artificial Intelligence

Large Language Models May Radically Change Psychology

Michael E. W. Varnum Ph.D. on July 6, 2023

New studies suggest that Large Language Models may radically change how research in psychological science is done, presenting both opportunities and threats.

New studies suggest that Large Language Models may radically change how research in psychological science is done, presenting both opportunities and threats.

Politics

How Physical Strength Affects Mood, Behavior, and Politics

Michael E. W. Varnum Ph.D. on July 1, 2023

A growing body of research suggests that physical strength may matter more for our psychology than one might think.

A growing body of research suggests that physical strength may matter more for our psychology than one might think.

Wisdom

Learning From the Wisdom of the Crowd

Michael E. W. Varnum Ph.D. on May 8, 2023

We don't usually associate large groups with sound decision-making, but in fact, we can often benefit from harnessing the "wisdom of the crowd."

We don't usually associate large groups with sound decision-making, but in fact, we can often benefit from harnessing the "wisdom of the crowd."

Fantasies

When Your Mind's Eye Is Blind

Michael E. W. Varnum Ph.D. on April 30, 2023

Are you able to imagine things in your mind's eye? If not, you may have an interesting condition.

Are you able to imagine things in your mind's eye? If not, you may have an interesting condition.

Cross-Cultural Psychology

3 Things Your Name Might Reveal About You

Michael E. W. Varnum Ph.D. on April 1, 2023

What's in a name? Quite a bit, according to psychological research.

What's in a name? Quite a bit, according to psychological research.

Proxemics

What Personal Space Can Tell Us

Michael E. W. Varnum Ph.D. on February 18, 2023

Our desire for personal space, or lack thereof, tells us a lot about who we are, where we’re from, and who we like.

Our desire for personal space, or lack thereof, tells us a lot about who we are, where we’re from, and who we like.

Scent

What’s That Smell? The Psychology of Scent

Michael E. W. Varnum Ph.D. on January 30, 2023

What can studying smell tell us about human psychology? Quite a bit, it turns out.

What can studying smell tell us about human psychology? Quite a bit, it turns out.

Motivation

The Powerful Psychology of Cuteness

Michael E. W. Varnum Ph.D. on January 15, 2023

When we encounter a cute baby or a cuddly kitten, our psychology changes in surprising ways.

When we encounter a cute baby or a cuddly kitten, our psychology changes in surprising ways.

Parapsychology

In Defense of Studying Unserious Things: Precognition

Michael E. W. Varnum Ph.D. on January 3, 2023

Daryl Bem's "Feeling the Future" was meant to cause a revolution in psychology. It did, just not the one he anticipated.

Daryl Bem's "Feeling the Future" was meant to cause a revolution in psychology. It did, just not the one he anticipated.

Environment

In Defense of Studying Unserious Things: Aliens and Robots

Michael E. W. Varnum Ph.D. on December 28, 2022

What can psychology learn from aliens and robots? Studying "unserious" topics can yield important insight into what makes us tick.

What can psychology learn from aliens and robots? Studying "unserious" topics can yield important insight into what makes us tick.