Have you ever woken from a dream that felt a little too real? Maybe it was one you desperately wanted to fall back into—or one so intense that you splashed water on your face just to avoid drifting back to sleep. Dreams have a way of pulling emotions to the surface: nostalgia, love, regret, fear. …
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You open a social app and start scrolling. Before you realize it, you’ve watched a few videos, commented on a friend’s photo, checked the weather, clicked on a tornado warning, and asked ChatGPT about safe travel destinations (preferably with good weather)—all while on break from work. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. While digital multitasking can…
We know it’s tough to tear yourself away from scrolling. We get it; the algorithm is strong. So strong that the average person spends 2 hours and 23 minutes a day on social media. And let’s be honest: There’s no way that’s great for anyone’s mental health. That’s why we’re taking a closer look at…
Have you ever wondered why political debates can get so heated? Or why it seems like people are becoming more divided in their views? As political discussions intensify globally, understanding the psychological forces at play has become increasingly crucial. Welcome to the fascinating world of political psychology, where we explore how our minds shape our…
A nerve-wracking day is approaching, and since Halloween has already passed, you know it must be that other day. Thankfully, presidential Election Day only happens once every four years, because it has Americans seriously stressed. According to an American Psychiatric Association poll, 73% of U.S. adults are anxious about the 2024 election. Let’s examine a…
Halloween is the perfect excuse to grab some popcorn, turn off the lights, and binge some scary movies. You know, the one with the hockey-mask wearing slasher, the chainsaw-wielding hillbilly, or the space alien with acid for blood. Maybe keeping the lights on isn’t such a bad idea after all. There’s an undeniable thrill to…
Addiction can take many forms, and not all are harmful. Consider reading, crafting, or exercising: popular hobbies that people spend countless hours on, all of which release dopamine, the “feel good” hormone—not unlike some drugs we could mention. There is, however, one pastime that’s often criticized for its addictive qualities and negative impact on mental…
Have you ever wondered how a particular TikTok trend goes viral so quickly? How about why we never take the blame when something goes wrong, but we’re the first to take credit after a personal victory? Cue the social biases, a subset of cognitive bias that shapes how we view—well, everything. From relationships and workplace…
The human brain processes a significant amount of information daily—approximately 11 billion bits of information per second! So, while you may feel like a multitasking maven as you read this article, mentally add up how many bits of information we process in an hour, and debate what to eat for dinner later, you’ve only scratched…
Psychology permeates every human endeavor, and its rich field of study boasts many specialties that address psychological matters from varied perspectives. The American Psychological Association (APA) recognizes no fewer than 15 subfields, ranging from the individual to the organizational. The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program—ranked among U.S. News…