pop culture
Representations of mental health in pop culture; dissect and discuss popular psychology, mental illness stigmas, and media depictions.
The Brainrot Phenomenon: Why Nonsense Memes Stick in Our Minds
Introduction In recent months, a peculiar genre of internet content has taken over Italian social media platforms. Known colloquially as brainrot, these viral audio-visual memes consist of nonsensical phrases like "Trulimero trulicina," "Bombardiro crocodilo," and "Tum tum tum saur," often accompanied by exaggerated voices, flashy animations, and erratic rhythms. While at first glance these pieces seem meaningless or childish, their rapid spread and emotional grip on users raise an intriguing psychological question: why do such nonsensical catchphrases lodge so firmly in our brains?
By Siria De Simone8 months ago in Psyche
Why Do We Sabotage Our Own Goals?
Every year, millions of people around the world set goals—personal, professional, financial, or health-related—with the best of intentions. Yet despite motivation and planning, many find themselves backsliding, procrastinating, or outright abandoning their goals. This phenomenon, often called self-sabotage, can be perplexing and frustrating. Why would anyone consciously or unconsciously work against something they genuinely desire?
By Siria De Simone8 months ago in Psyche
How to Improve Emotional Intelligence
In a world where academic success and technical expertise often dominate the conversation, it's easy to overlook the quieter, more personal form of intelligence that governs how we relate to ourselves and others: emotional intelligence. Coined by psychologists and made popular by Daniel Goleman, emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to understand and manage our emotions, as well as recognize and influence the emotions of those around us. While IQ might get your foot in the door, it is EQ that often determines how far you go.
By Siria De Simone8 months ago in Psyche
The Body Language of Relationships
In every relationship—romantic, platonic, professional, or familial—communication is key. But not all communication happens through words. In fact, research suggests that over 60% of human communication is nonverbal, conveyed through body posture, facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, and tone of voice. This silent dialogue is especially powerful in intimate and emotionally charged relationships, where our bodies often speak before our minds can form a sentence.
By Siria De Simone8 months ago in Psyche
10 Things That Instantly Make Your Life More Peaceful
Peace isn’t found in a faraway place. It’s built in small decisions, quiet choices, and daily habits. We chase happiness, success, love — and in the process, we forget the one thing that truly sustains us: peace.
By SHADOW-WRITES8 months ago in Psyche
Leveling Up the Mind: The Psychological Benefits of Video Games in Childhood and Adolescence
In the past, video games have often been blamed for promooting violence, addiction, and social withdrawal in children and adolescents. While certain types of games—and excessive play—may indeed have negative consequences, a growing body of psychological research challenges the one-sided narrative. Not only can video games be entertaining, but they can also offer measurable cognitive, emotional, and social benefits, particularly when played in moderation and within supportive environments.
By Siria De Simone8 months ago in Psyche
Pixels of Aggression: Understanding How Violent Games Influence Young Minds
In the digital age, video games have evolved into one of the most popular forms of entertainment for children and adolescents. From intricate storylines and high-definition graphics to interactive multiplayer experiences, gaming has become deeply embedded in youth culture. But alongside its rising popularity, a longstanding debate continues to stir concern: do violent video games influence aggressive behavior in young people?
By Siria De Simone9 months ago in Psyche
The Secret to a Meaningful Life: Unlocking the Power of Ikigai
In today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world, it’s easy to feel lost, burned out, or unsure of our place in life. We chase productivity, success, and validation, often without pausing to ask a simple yet profound question: Why am I doing this? That’s where Ikigai comes in—a centuries-old Japanese philosophy that offers a refreshing and grounded path to fulfillment. More than just a trendy buzzword, Ikigai is a deeply personal journey of discovering what makes life worth living.
By Siria De Simone9 months ago in Psyche
