Consciousness
Free Will Is Only an Illusion if You Are, Too
New research findings, combined with philosophy, suggest free will is real but may not operate in the ways people expect
Mind Matters676 articles archived since 1845
Psychology
Your Response to Stress Improves as You Grow Older
In good news, our reactions to stressful events improve as we age. But living in uncertain times will still take a toll
Psychology
Kindness Can Have Unexpectedly Positive Consequences
People who engage in random acts of kindness may not fully recognize the impact of their behavior on others
Psychology
‘Persuasion Fatigue’ Is a Unique Form of Social Frustration
When people argue, a kind of frustration called persuasion fatigue can cloud their judgment and harm relationships
Mental Health
Why Social Media Makes People Unhappy—And Simple Ways to Fix It
Research suggests platform designs make us lose track of time spent on them and can heighten conflicts, and then we feel upset with ourselves
Psychology
People Shopping for ‘Meaning’ Buy Cheaper Goods
People who prioritize “meaning” when they shop may unwittingly convince themselves to buy cheaper goods, services and experiences
Psychology
At a Haunted House, Friends Heighten the Terror
Social scientists, using haunted houses to understand our experiences of fear, have learned that friends make things very scary
Neuroscience
Why Sleep-Deprived People Are More Selfish and Lonely
Poor sleep impairs brain areas that are key to social engagement, but more zzz’s can boost kind behavior
Psychology
How Much People Write Can Reveal Racial Biases
Society’s stereotypes can slip into communication in subtle ways
Neurology
Voice Training Is a Medical Necessity for Many Transgender People
Multiple strategies—including speech therapy—can help those whose voice and gender identity are not aligned and can improve their quality of life
