Shows
PsyberSpace® - we help you understand your worldMoral Licensing: How Doing Good Gives People Permission to Be WorseMoral Licensing: Why Doing Good Can Make Us Behave WorseHost Leslie Poston explains the phenomenon of moral licensing: after people do something that affirms their identity as a good person, the brain registers progress toward a moral goal, reducing self-regulatory effort and making later unethical choices more likely, sometimes in unrelated domains. Using a fitness “daily budget” analogy, the episode describes evidence from environmental psychology (green purchases followed by increased lying and cheating), research on racial bias (publicly demonstrating egalitarian credentials followed by more biased choices), activism (low-cost visible actions reducing motivation for harder follow-through), and orga...
2026-05-0412 minPsyberSpace® - we help you understand your worldThe Death of Serendipity: What Algorithmic Personalization Is Doing to Your MindThe Cost of Losing Serendipity in Algorithmic DiscoveryHost Leslie Poston discusses how algorithmic recommendation systems have replaced everyday accidental discovery, reducing serendipity and narrowing what people encounter. The episode explains psychological and neuroscience research showing novelty’s role in motivation, attention, learning, and memory (including locus coeruleus activation), the inverted-U relationship between complexity and curiosity, and how habituation can flatten engagement when stimuli stay too familiar. Poston contrasts this with the mere exposure effect (Zajonc) and processing fluency, arguing platforms reinforce and shape preferences through repeated exposure, producing “adjacent novelty” rather than true surprise. She links person...
2026-04-2719 minPsyberSpace® - we help you understand your worldFrom the Rape Academy to Your Living RoomSemantic Derailment and the Social Permission That Sustains Organized Sexual ViolenceHost Leslie Poston discusses a CNN investigation into an “online rape academy,” including a Telegram group called ZZZ where nearly 1,000 men allegedly coordinated drugging and sexual assault, shared footage, discussed substances and dosages, and advertised paid live streams; while ZZZ was taken down, the U.S.-hosted site Motherless remains public, drawing about 62 million visits in February and hosting 20,000+ videos tagged with phrases like “passed out” and “eyecheck.” Poston connects this to the Dominique Pelicot case and argues the network has migrated and grown, including related misogynistic...
2026-04-2014 minPsyberSpace® - we help you understand your worldThe Psychology of AI Slop: How Synthetic Junk Erodes Attention, Trust, and MeaningAI Slop and Your Brain: Attention, Fatigue, and the Erosion of MeaningHost Leslie Poston explains how “AI slop” is industrial-scale synthetic content optimized for volume and fast reactions rather than accuracy or usefulness, ranging from keyword-stuffed articles and fake reviews to fabricated quotes, fake images, and targeted deepfake audio/video. She argues it exploits cognitive shortcuts like attentional capture and processing fluency, creating decision fatigue, weakening deliberate “system two” thinking, and making it harder to suppress irrelevant junk. Repetition fuels the illusory truth effect, increasing perceived accuracy even with fact-check labels and eroding a shared factual baseline...
2026-04-0618 minPsyberSpace® - we help you understand your worldMeta Lost. Now What?Meta Verdicts, Kids’ Harm, and the Push for Age VerificationHost Leslie Poston reviews two jury verdicts finding Meta liable for harming children: a New Mexico case ordering $375 million in civil penalties for concealing knowledge about child sexual exploitation and mental health impacts, and a Los Angeles negligence case where Meta and YouTube were found liable and Kaylee was awarded $6 million for worsened anxiety and depression from compulsive use starting at ages 6 and 9. Poston cites internal Meta research (Project Myst) and communications likening effects to drugs and gambling, arguing the fine is negligible versus Meta’s $201B reve...
2026-03-3013 minPsyberSpace® - we help you understand your worldThe 100% Myth: Why Giving Everything Is Costing You EverythingWhy “Give 100%” Is Corrosive: Sustainable Performance, Burnout, and Reserve CapacityHost Leslie Poston examines the phrase “give 100%” in American work culture, tracing it to Protestant work-ethic theology and arguing it became a management tool that moralizes maximum output despite lacking empirical support. The episode contrasts this norm with research on sustainable performance, citing shorter-workweek trials. Poston explains how “100%” ignores unequal baselines via allostatic load, highlights commute and remote-work effects, and details autistic burnout and masking costs. Drawing on Christina Maslach’s burnout research and WHO recognition, the script argues burnout is organizational, not personal, and advocates structural changes and op...
2026-03-2323 minPsyberSpace® - we help you understand your worldForever Wars Shrink the Future: What Endless War Does to the Human MindForever War and the Stolen FutureHost Leslie Poston examines a hidden psychological cost of “forever wars”: they don’t just create fear and grief, they change how people relate to time—shrinking hope, planning, and the ability to believe in tomorrow. She explains how chronic threat and recurring escalation can trap individuals and whole societies in emergency mode, erode trust in institutions, and create a sense of democratic powerlessness, citing January 2026 U.S. polling from Quinnipiac showing over 85% of voters opposed military action against Iran. The episode also explores how constant media exposure, moral implication in state vi...
2026-03-0220 minPsyberSpace® - we help you understand your worldWhat the Epstein Network Tells Us About Power, Complicity, and the Psychology of BetrayalLosing Our Heroes: The Epstein Files, Elite Complicity, and the Psychology of Looking AwayHost Leslie Poston discusses the psychological impact of seeing the names of people you once admired or trusted in the Epstein files. Poston examines why revelations connected to the Epstein files can feel psychologically destabilizing, especially when they involve admired public figures and trusted institutions. Drawing on research in power and social perception, implicit cognition, moral disengagement, parasocial relationships, and betrayal trauma, the episode explores how people and systems can minimize harm, avoid accountability, and sustain “looking away,” and discusses grief, anger, and disi...
2026-02-2318 minPsyberSpace® - we help you understand your worldCourage is Contagious: The Psychology of Collective EfficacySustained Resistance: How Communities Keep Showing Up Under RepressionHost Leslie Poston closes PsyberSpace’s three-part series on American authoritarianism by focusing on the psychology of sustained resistance. Drawing on findings that real-world bystander intervention occurs in most incidents, she distinguishes one-time helping from long-term collective action and uses Minneapolis as an example of ongoing community response to state violence. She reviews research suggesting risk can increase commitment when paired with anger at repression and a belief that participation matters, and argues effective resistance relies on pre-existing collective efficacy built through repeated small acts of trust and mu...
2026-02-1615 minPsyberSpace® - we help you understand your worldYour Data Is Already Breached: Why Age Verification Makes It WorseThe Illusion of Digital Safety: How Age Gates and Digital IDs Miss the MarkIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the ineffectiveness and risks of age gates and digital ID verification systems aimed at protecting children online. Highlighting global legislative attempts and their unintended consequences, Poston argues that these measures often exacerbate digital risks while failing to address root causes such as inadequate parental capacity, literacy deficiencies, and systemic economic struggles. The episode challenges the moral panic around social media's impact on youth mental health, pointing out that true protection requires structural change...
2026-01-2717 minPsyberSpace® - we help you understand your worldWhy Does Debating Bad Ideas Make Them Stronger?The Hidden Dangers of Debate: Why It Can Legitimize Bad IdeasIn this episode of PsyberSpace®, host Leslie Poston explores the unintended consequences of debate formats in media, arguing that they often function as tools to distribute and legitimize harmful ideas rather than dismantling them with facts. Poston discusses psychological principles such as social proof, the illusory truth effect, and the continued influence effect to explain why debates can amplify bad ideas. She advocates for alternative approaches such as weight of evidence framing, pre-bunking tactics, and audience-centered harm reduction to effectively combat misinformation and reduce harm.
2026-01-1919 minPsyberSpace® - we help you understand your worldWhen "No" Stops Mattering: The Psychology of Stolen ConsentThe Erosion of Consent in the Digital AgeIn this episode of PsyberSpace®, Leslie Poston discusses the systematic erosion of consent both online and offline, and its devastating psychological consequences. Key topics include non-consensual AI-generated sexual imagery, the mass theft of creative work to train AI systems, the exploitation of vulnerable individuals for social media content, and the influence of manosphere ideology on young men. Poston explores the dehumanization and objectification that results from these trends, the psychological theories behind them, and provides insights into moral disengagement and learned helplessness. The episode concludes with strategies for resisting t...
2026-01-1227 minPsyberSpace® - we help you understand your worldGoing No Contact: Why Adult Children Are Choosing Their Mental Health Over FamilyNavigating Family Estrangement During the HolidaysIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the trending issue of family estrangement, especially relevant during the holiday season. With so many adults experiencing estrangement, Poston dives into the research findings from the Cornell Reconciliation Project and other studies. The episode discusses the perspectives and reasons behind estrangement both from adult children and the parents' viewpoints, highlighting cultural shifts and the need for emotional intelligence. The show also covers the misconceptions around 'Parental Alienation Syndrome,' the impact of estrangement during holidays, and potential pathways to reconciliation.00:00...
2025-12-2315 minPsyberSpace® - we help you understand your worldFrom Entropy to Action: Hope, Tactics, and Knowing When to Step Up (E5 of 5 in Series)Finding Reasonable Hope in the Entropy AgeIn this final episode of the 'Entropy Age' series on PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores strategies for maintaining hope and taking action amidst systemic chaos and decay. She discusses the psychological underpinnings of hope, the impact of systemic entropy on the nervous system, and the concept of tactical whimsy. Poston emphasizes the importance of building small, supportive rituals and finding your role in collective action. The episode offers insights into balancing self-care with social resistance, aiming to empower listeners to make meaningful changes even in turbulent times.00:00 Introduction...
2025-11-2116 minPsyberSpace® - we help you understand your worldLiving in Entropy – When the Future Stops Feeling Real (E1 of 5 in Series)Emotional Entropy: Coping with Psychological Strain in the Entropy AgeHost Leslie Poston of PsyberSpace introduces a five-episode series on the 'entropy age,' focusing on the psychological impact of living in an unstable world marked by late-stage capitalism, technological upheaval, and rising authoritarianism. This episode explores the concept of 'emotional entropy,' comparing it to physical entropy to describe the fraying of our inner lives. Key topics include existential anxiety, mortality, freedom, isolation, meaning, ontological insecurity, and anticipatory grief. Poston aims to validate the feelings of uncertainty and confusion that many experience, framing them as rational...
2025-11-1715 minPsyberSpace® - we help you understand your worldWe're All Living in Different Realities (Literally)The Brain's Reality: How Our Perception Shapes Our WorldIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores how our brains create different realities through predictive processing. The discussion includes concepts like the McGurk effect, the role of attention, and the impact of body states on perception. Poston explains how memory is a reconstruction influenced by current priors and how culture and language shape our prediction engines. The episode also addresses the implications for clinical settings, media influence, and the rise of DeepFakes. With practical tips for improving our prediction accuracy and updating our beliefs, this episode...
2025-11-0444 minPsyberSpace® - we help you understand your worldWhy Your Surgeon Wears Special Socks: The Psychology of Talismans and Lucky CharmsThe Power of Talismans: Mind Over MatterIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the fascinating world of talismans, lucky charms, and rituals. While these objects may seem irrational at first glance, psychological and anthropological insights reveal they significantly alter how our brains handle risk, uncertainty, and stress. From ancient warriors to modern surgeons and athletes, humans have always used symbolic objects to manage anxiety and enhance performance. This episode dives into the neuroscience of belief, the anthropology of ritual, and the line between helpful superstition and harmful compulsion. Discover how these practices, whether physical...
2025-10-1226 minPsyberSpace® - we help you understand your worldThe Psychology of Everyday Aesthetics: Why Your Surroundings Shape How You FeelThe Psychology of Everyday Aesthetics: How Our Surroundings Shape Our Well-beingIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the psychological impact of everyday aesthetics on our emotions, focus, and overall well-being. From cozy cafes to well-lit offices, Leslie delves into the science behind how environmental cues like color, light, form, and texture affect our mental state and cognitive performance. The episode also discusses the importance of creating supportive environments, especially for those who are neurodivergent, chronically ill, or recovering from trauma. Learn how to leverage aesthetic principles to create spaces that promote safety, comfort, and...
2025-10-0621 minPsyberSpace® - we help you understand your worldThe AI Transparency Trap: Why Honesty About AI Use Destroys TrustThe Transparency Trap: How AI Disclosure Erodes TrustIn this special episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores a new study revealing that people who disclose AI use in professional settings are trusted significantly less than those who keep it a secret. This phenomenon is linked to identity protective cognition and professional identity threats. The discussion delves into how legitimacy and social norms shape trust dynamics, the role of cognitive dissonance, and systemic issues that exacerbate the AI transparency crisis. Poston also offers potential strategies to address these challenges, emphasizing the need for a cultural shift in...
2025-10-0428 minPsyberSpace® - we help you understand your worldFrictionless and Forgettable: How Tech Undermines Friendship and CreativityThe Cost of Convenience: How Technology is Redefining Connection and CreativityIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the impact of technological convenience on our emotional and cognitive lives. Inspired by a conversation with Jason Miller, Leslie explores how platforms like Facebook and generative AI tools are stripping away meaningful friction from our interactions, creativity, and mental tasks, leading to reduced emotional investment and cognitive development. The episode discusses concepts like emotional labor, effort justification, intermittent reinforcement, and the importance of cognitive friction for real connection and growth. Leslie also addresses the balance between...
2025-09-2924 minPsyberSpace® - we help you understand your worldStuck in the In-Between: The Psychology of Liminal SpacesExploring the Psychological Depths of Liminal SpacesIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the concept of liminal spaces — those transitional zones, both physical and psychological, where we feel suspended between the past and the future. The discussion explores various examples such as airports, traffic jams, dead malls, subways, hospitals, and even digital environments. These spaces challenge our sense of time, memory, and self, creating both potential for transformation and risks like anxiety and disorientation. By understanding and navigating these in-between moments, we can harness their power for creative breakthroughs and personal growth....
2025-09-2225 minPsyberSpace® - we help you understand your worldMicrojoys and Mini-Moments—The Psychology of Tiny PleasuresThe Power of Micro Joys: Building Psychological Resilience through Tiny PleasuresIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the concept of micro joys—small, spontaneous moments of delight that contribute significantly to our mental well-being. Contrary to the cultural emphasis on major achievements and peak experiences, micro joys provide a sustainable foundation for psychological resilience. Backed by research in positive psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral science, the episode reveals how these tiny positive experiences can help manage stress, depression, and burnout. Leslie discusses how to identify and savor these moments, emphasizing that they are accessible to ev...
2025-09-1625 minPsyberSpace® - we help you understand your worldWhen Hate Speaks: The Psychology of Stochastic TerrorismPsyberSpace: Understanding the Psychology of Stochastic TerrorismIn this special episode of PsyberSpace, hosted by Leslie Poston, the focus is on the psychology of stochastic terrorism, particularly in the wake of the shooting of political pundit Charlie Kirk. The episode explores how public figures use mass communication to incite violence indirectly through loaded language and dehumanizing rhetoric. It looks into the mechanisms behind this phenomenon, including moral disengagement and emotional manipulation. The episode also discusses the global impact of American stochastic rhetoric and offers strategies for resistance, such as cognitive inoculation and media literacy. Leslie emphasizes the...
2025-09-1339 minPsyberSpace® - we help you understand your worldSneaky Grief - The Losses That Linger, the Systems That Ignore ThemUnseen Grief: Navigating Disenfranchised and Ambiguous LossIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the often overlooked and invalidated forms of grief that extend beyond traditional mourning. Discussing the concept of 'disenfranchised grief,' the episode delves into how economic systems and societal norms suppress acknowledgment of certain types of loss. From the unexpected death of a first love to ongoing ambiguous losses, Poston examines how these unacknowledged forms of grief affect our mental and physical health. She highlights the limitations of traditional grief models and emphasizes the need for more inclusive and validating support...
2025-09-0823 minPsyberSpace® - we help you understand your worldHoarding Power: The Billionaire Brain and the Psychology of PossessionBillionaire Hoarding: A Psychological ExplorationIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the provocative idea that billionaire behavior may resemble a form of hoarding disorder, typically seen in people unable to part with physical objects. The discussion gets into the clinical understanding of hoarding, its evolutionary basis, and how similar psychological patterns might drive compulsive accumulation of wealth, power, and resources at a global scale. The episode critically examines society's celebration and protection of billionaire behaviors as opposed to recognizing their potentially pathological impact, drawing parallels between individual and systemic hoarding while proposing cultural and...
2025-09-0128 min