PsyberSpace: Understand Your World

Leslie Poston
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  • SOCIAL SCIENCES
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If you've ever wondered what makes "reply guys" tick, why we fall for emotionally manipulative language in politics, why meetings suck, or how music can reshape your brain, we have the answers! Tune in to PsyberSpace™ every Monday morning and understand your world a little better each week. PsyberSpace explores the evolving landscape where psychology, media, culture, and digital technology converge. Each episode unpacks the impact of tech on our minds, our culture, our work, and our society. We explore pressing topics like the ethics of virtual spaces, misinformation and disinformation, media psychology and marketing, the psychology of business in the age of AI, the influence of social media on mental health, and the implications of digital trends for leaders and organizations. Join us as we provide insights for harnessing tech for positive change in personal lives and within the workplace.

  1. 23H AGO

    Hoarding Power: The Billionaire Brain and the Psychology of Possession

    Billionaire Hoarding: A Psychological Exploration In 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 policy interventions. It challenges listeners to rethink how extreme wealth concentration affects democracy and social stability. 00:00 Introduction: Billionaires and Hoarding02:39 Understanding Hoarding Disorder05:06 Evolutionary Roots of Hoarding06:30 Financial Hoarding: Billionaires and Beyond09:21 Personality Traits and Hoarding12:13 Cultural and Systemic Implications16:56 Interventions and Solutions25:19 Conclusion: The Path ForwardResearch Bouissac, P. (2006). Hoarding behavior: A better evolutionary account of money psychology? Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 29, 181 - 182.  Canale, A., & Klontz, B. (2013). Hoarding Disorder: It’s More Than Just an Obsession - Implications for Financial Therapists and Planners. Journal of Financial Therapy, 4 (2) 4.  Coupé, T., & Monteiro, P. (2015). The charity of the extremely wealthy. Economic IInquiry, 54(2) Damecour, C., & Charron, M. (1998). Hoarding: a symptom, not a syndrome. The Journal of clinical psychiatry, 59 5, 267-72; quiz 273 .  Davidson, E.J., Dozier, M.E., Pittman, J.O.E. et al. Recent Advances in Research on Hoarding. Curr Psychiatry Rep 21, 91 (2019)  Dozier, M.E., & DeShong, H.L. (2022). The association between personality traits and hoarding behaviors. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 35, 53 - 58.  Frost, R. O., & Steketee, G. (2010). Stuff: Compulsive hoarding and the meaning of things. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Frost, R. O., Steketee, G., & Williams, L. (2000). Hoarding: A community health problem. Health & Social Care in the Community, 8(4), 229–234.  Frost, R. O., Tolin, D. F., & Maltby, N. (2010). Insight-related challenges in the treatment of hoarding disorder. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 17(4), 404-413.  Geddes, B., Wright, J., & Frantz, E. (2018). How dictatorships work: Power, personalization, and collapse. Cambridge University Press. Haugerud, A. (2013). No Billionaire Left Behind: Satirical Activism in America. Stanford University Press. LaSalle-Ricci, V. H., Arnkoff, D. B., Glass, C. R., Crawley, S. A., Ronquillo, J. G., & Murphy, D. L. (2006). The hoarding dimension of OCD: Psychological comorbidity and the five-factor personality model. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 44(10), 1503–1512. Mataix-Cols, D., Frost, R. O., Pertusa, A., Clark, L. A., Saxena, S., Leckman, J. F., Stein, D. J., Matsunaga, H., & Wilhelm, S. (2010). Hoarding disorder: A new diagnosis for DSM-5? Depression and Anxiety, 27(6), 556–572.  Mataix-Cols, D., Pertusa, A. , & Snowdon, J. (2011). Neuropsychological and neural correlates of hoarding: a practice-friendly review. Journal of Clinical Psychology, (5), 467-76.  Mataix-Cols, D., & de la Cruz, L. F. (2018). Hoarding disorder has finally arrived, but many challenges lie ahead. World Psychiatry. 17(2):224-225 Peebles, G. (2020). Hoarding and saving. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Anthropology Piketty, T. (2014). Capital in the Twenty-First Century. Harvard University Press. Raines, A. M., Boffa, J. W., Allan, N. P., Short, N. A., & Schmidt, N. B. (2015). Hoarding and eating pathology: The mediating role of emotion regulation. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 57, 29-35.  Rose, P. (2007). Mediators of the association between narcissism and compulsive buying: The roles of materialism and impulse control. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 21(4), 576–581.  Steketee, G., & Frost, R. O. (2003). Compulsive hoarding: Current status of the research. Clinical Psychology Review, 23(7), 905–927.  Svolik, M. W. (2008). Authoritarian reversals and democratic consolidation. American Political Science Review, 102(2), 153–168.  Timpano, K. R., & Schmidt, N. B. (2013). The relationship between self-control deficits and hoarding: A multimethod investigation across three studies. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 122(1), 13–25.  Tolin, D. F. (2011). Challenges and advances in treating hoarding. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 67(5), 451-5.  Vickers, B. D., Preston, S. D., Gonzalez, R., & Angott, A. M. (2016). Hoarders Only Discount Consumables and Are More Patient for Money. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 10, Article 30  West, D. M. (2014). Billionaires: Reflections on the upper crust. Brookings Institution Press Winsberg, M. E., Cassic, K. S., & Koran, L. M. (1999). Hoarding in obsessive-compulsive disorder: A report of 20 cases. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 60(9), 591–597.  Zuckman, G. (2025) The Trump-Musk feud exposes America's wealth-hoarding crisis. [OPINION ARTICLE] The Guardian. (Newspaper)  Retrieved from: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jun/10/the-trump-musk-feud-exposes-americas-wealth-hoarding-crisis ★ Support this podcast ★

    28 min

  2. AUG 25

    Why Some People Want the World to Burn

    The Psychology Behind Apocalyptic Thinking and Why It’s Dangerous In this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the growing phenomenon of apocalyptic thinking, exploring its psychological, sociological, and cultural roots. The episode examines why some people are drawn to the idea of societal collapse and how this mindset is manifesting in modern times through various ideologies and policies. Leslie discusses historical and contemporary examples, the role of trauma, and the disturbing impact of repeated COVID-19 infections on cognitive functions. The episode also highlights the commodification and monetization of despair online and argues for collective action, mutual aid, and hope as antidotes to the lure of apocalyptic thinking. Leslie concludes by emphasizing that positive change does not require collapse, but rather, requires human connection and collective effort. 00:00 Introduction to Apocalyptic Thinking01:31 Historical Fascination with Endings02:44 The Psychology Behind Apocalyptic Beliefs03:34 Accelerationism: Pushing for Collapse05:59 Christian Nationalism and Apocalyptic Theology08:55 The Impact of Continuous Conflict12:16 Neurological Effects of COVID-1914:01 The Role of Social Media in Amplifying Despair16:01 Climate Nihilism and the Elite's Response18:04 The Profitability of Collapse19:20 A Counter-Narrative: Post-Traumatic Growth21:28 Conclusion: Choosing Hope Over Despair Research Abene, S. (2025) Pandemic brain aging: How Covid-19 affects cognitive health beyond infection. Contagion Live. https://www.contagionlive.com/view/pandemic-brain-aging-how-covid-19-impacts-cognitive-health-beyond-infection American Psychological Association. (2020). Mental health and our changing climate: Impacts, implications, and guidance. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2020/02/climate-mental-health Araújo, N., Silva, I., Campos, P. et al. Cognitive impairment 2 years after mild to severe SARS-CoV-2 infection in a population-based study with matched-comparison groups. Sci Rep 15, 24335 (2025).  Bandura, A. (2000). Exercise of human agency through collective efficacy. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 9(3), 75–78. Lewis, R. (2018). Alternative influence: Broadcasting the reactionary right on YouTube. Data & Society. Clayton, S. (2020). Climate anxiety: Psychological responses to climate change. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 74, 102263. Li, Z., Zhang, Z., Zhang, Z., Wang, Z., & Li, H. (2023). Cognitive impairment after long COVID: current evidence and perspectives. Frontiers in Neurology, 14. Freud, S. (1920). Beyond the pleasure principle (J. Strachey, Trans.). International Psycho-Analytical Press. Ganesh R, Blitshteyn S, Verduzco-Gutierrez M, Abene S, Ciccone I. A deep dive: understanding the neurological toll of long COVID. Contagion. 2024. https://www.contagionlive.com/roundtables/a-deep-dive-understanding-the-neurological-toll-of-long-covid Greenberg, J., Pyszczynski, T., & Solomon, S. (1986). The causes and consequences of a need for self-esteem: A terror management theory. In R. F. Baumeister (Ed.), Public self and private self (pp. 189–212). Springer. Haidt, J. (2012). The righteous mind: Why good people are divided by politics and religion. Pantheon Books. Jost, J. T., Banaji, M. R., & Nosek, B. A. (2004). A decade of system justification theory: Accumulated evidence of conscious and unconscious bolstering of the status quo. Political Psychology, 25(6), 881–919. Klein, N. (2007). The shock doctrine: The rise of disaster capitalism. Metropolitan Books. Seligman, M. E. P. (1975). Helplessness: On depression, development, and death. W.H. Freeman. Solnit, R. (2009). A paradise built in hell: The extraordinary communities that arise in disaster. Viking. Sontag, S. (1978). Illness as metaphor. Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Tedeschi, R. G., & Calhoun, L. G. (2004). Posttraumatic growth: Conceptual foundations and empirical evidence. Psychological Inquiry, 15(1), 1–18. Tufekci, Z. (2018). YouTube, the great radicalizer. The New York Times. Turner, V. (1969). The ritual process: Structure and anti-structure. Aldine. ★ Support this podcast ★

    24 min

  3. AUG 18

    The Comfort Trap: Why Ease Is the Enemy of Progress

    The Comfort Trap: How Familiarity Hampers Growth and Progress In this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the concept of comfort and how it acts as a hidden barrier to personal and societal growth. Despite its allure, comfort can prevent individuals from taking risks, learning, and embracing change. The episode digs into the psychological and neurological reasons behind our preference for comfort, and its impact on behaviors, relationships, and social structures. Poston argues that comfort not only stifles innovation and accountability but also perpetuates systemic issues like racism and inequality. She urges listeners to build their capacity for discomfort as a means to foster resilience, creativity, and meaningful progress. 00:00 Introduction: The Hidden Villain in Your Life00:35 The Comfort Trap: Why We Stay Stuck03:07 The Neuroscience of Comfort and Resistance to Change08:28 Comfort in Social Dynamics and Systemic Issues11:28 The Cost of Comfort: Personal and Societal Impacts22:43 Building Discomfort Tolerance for Growth and Progress24:37 Conclusion: Embrace Discomfort for a Better Future Research Banaji, M. R., & Jost, J. T. (1994). The role of stereotyping in system-justification and the production of false consciousness. British Journal of Social Psychology, 33(1), 1-27. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2044-8309.1994.tb01008.x Darley, J. M., & Latané, B. (1968). Bystander intervention in emergencies: Diffusion of responsibility. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 8(4), 377-383. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0025589 DiAngelo, R. (2018). White fragility: Why it's so hard for white people to talk about racism. Beacon Press. Feagin, J. & Picca, L. (2007) Two-Faced Racism. Routledge. Festinger, L. (1957). A theory of cognitive dissonance. Stanford University Press. Jost, J. T. (2019). A quarter century of system justification theory: Questions, answers, criticisms, and societal applications. British Journal of Social Psychology, 58(2), 263-314. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjso.12297 Jost, J. T., & Banaji, M. R. (1994). The role of stereotyping in system justification and the production of false consciousness. British Journal of Social Psychology, 33(1), 1-27. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2044-8309.1994.tb01008.x Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, fast and slow. Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Klayman, J., & Ha, Y. W. (1987). Confirmation, disconfirmation, and information in hypothesis testing. Psychological Review, 94(2), 211-228. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-295X.94.2.211 Kunda, Z. (1990). The case for motivated reasoning. Psychological Bulletin, 108(3), 480-498. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.108.3.480 Latané, B., & Darley, J. M. (1970). The unresponsive bystander: Why doesn't he help? Appleton-Century-Crofts. Lieberman, M. D., Eisenberger, N. I., Crockett, M. J., Tom, S. M., Pfeifer, J. H., & Way, B. M. (2007). Putting feelings into words: Affect labeling disrupts amygdala activity in response to affective stimuli. Psychological Science, 18(5), 421-428. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2007.01916.x Oluo, I. (2018) So you want to talk about race. Seal Press. Tatum, B. D. (1997). Why are all the Black kids sitting together in the cafeteria?: And other conversations about race. Basic Books. Tversky, A., & Kahneman, D. (1991). Loss aversion in riskless choice: A reference-dependent model. The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 106(4), 1039-1061. https://doi.org/10.2307/2937956 Wason, P. C. (1960). On the failure to eliminate hypotheses in a conceptual task. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 12(3), 129-140. https://doi.org/10.1080/17470216008416717 ★ Support this podcast ★

    26 min

  4. AUG 11

    The Voice Inside Your Head: Who's Really Running the Show?

    The Secret Life of Your Inner Monologue: Navigating and Harnessing Your Inner Voice In this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the concept of the inner monologue, discussing its origins, functions, and variations across individuals and cultures. The episode digs into the impact of internal speech on decision making, emotional regulation, and self-identity. Leslie also addresses how disorders like ADHD and anxiety affect inner voices, offering practical strategies for managing critical self-talk and cultivating a more supportive inner dialogue. Listeners are encouraged to observe and reframe their inner thoughts to enhance mental wellbeing and performance. 00:00 Introduction: The Inner Monologue00:49 The Role and Impact of Inner Speech04:05 Development of Inner Speech07:07 Variations in Inner Speech09:34 Inner Speech and Mental Health20:58 Transforming Your Inner Critic24:18 Conclusion: Embracing Your Inner Voice Research Alderson-Day, B., & Fernyhough, C. (2015). Inner speech: Development, cognitive functions, phenomenology, and neurobiology. Psychological Bulletin, 141(5), 931–965. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4538954 Dahò, M., & Monzani, D. (2025). The multifaceted nature of inner speech: Neural and phenomenological perspectives. Cognitive Neuropsychology, 12(3), 145–167. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40611622/ Gregory, D. (2020). Inner speech: New voices. Analysis, Volume 80, Issue 1, January 2020, Pages 164–173, https://doi.org/10.1093/analys/anz096 Gregory, D., & Langland-Hassan, P. (2023). Inner speech. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/inner-speech/ Hurlburt, R. T., Heavey, C. L., & Kelsey, J. M. (2013). Toward a phenomenology of inner speaking. Consciousness and Cognition. 22(4) Pages 1477-1494 McCarthy-Jones, S., & Fernyhough, C. (2011). The varieties of inner speech: Links between quality of inner speech and psychopathological variables in a sample of young adults. Consciousness and Cognition, 20(4), 1586–1593. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21880511/ Morin, A. (2003). Inner speech and conscious experience. Science & Consciousness Review, No 4. https://journalpsyche.org/articles/0xc094.pdf Nedergaard, J. S. K., & Lupyan, G. (2024). Not everybody has an inner voice: Behavioral consequences of anendophasia. Psychological Science, 35(4), 344–360. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/09567976241243004 Alderson-Day, B. & Pearson, A. (2023). What can neurodiversity tell us about inner speech, and vice versa? A theroetical perspectiv. Cortex, 168, Pages 193-202 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S001094522300206X Vicente, A., & Martinez Manrique, F. (2011). Inner Speech: Nature and Functions. Philosophy Compass, 6, 209-219. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-9991.2010.00369.x ★ Support this podcast ★

    25 min

  5. AUG 4

    She Leads: What Psychology Reveals About Women and Power

    The Science Behind Women’s Superior Leadership: Breaking Biases and Embracing Effectiveness In this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the compelling evidence showing that women tend to be better leaders than men. The discussion includes statistics indicating that countries led by women have fewer conflicts and better crisis management. It digs into decades of research from organizational psychology, showing women outscore men in key leadership competencies such as empathy, resilience, and emotional intelligence. Neuroscientific studies highlight differences in how male and female brains process stress, favoring collaborative and adaptive behavior in women. Despite this overwhelming evidence, gender biases and cultural stereotypes persist, preventing the recognition of women’s effectiveness in leadership roles. The episode calls for systemic changes in defining leadership, promoting qualified women, and addressing unconscious bias to improve organizational and societal success. 00:00 Introduction: Women in Leadership00:30 Global Leadership Landscape01:23 Exploring Leadership Competencies03:47 Neuroscience of Crisis Management06:26 Empathy and Emotional Intelligence09:13 Transformational vs. Transactional Leadership13:46 Psychological Barriers and Bias19:22 Intersectionality in Leadership20:43 Effective Leadership Strategies23:59 Challenges of Traditional Masculine Norms27:33 Redefining Leadership Effectiveness31:24 Conclusion: The Path Forward Research Araujo, E. B., Araujo, N. M. M., Moreira, A. A., Herrmann, H. J., & Andrade Jr., J. S. (2016). Gender differences in scientific collaborations: Women are more egalitarian. arXiv preprint arXiv:1610.05937.  Capraro, V. (2018). Women are slightly more cooperative than men in one-shot prisoner’s dilemma games. arXiv preprint arXiv:1805.08046.  Edmondson, A. (1999). Psychological safety and learning behavior in work teams. Administrative Science Quarterly, 44(2), 350–383.  Eagly, A. H., & Karau, S. J. (2002). Role congruity theory of prejudice toward female leaders. Psychological Review, 109(3), 573–598.  Goleman, D. (1998). Working with emotional intelligence. Bantam Books. Hopkins, M. M., O'Neil, D. A., Bilimoria, D., & Broadfoot, A. (2021). Buried treasure: Contradictions in the perception and reality of women's leadership. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 684705.  Hurlburt, R. T., Koch, M., & Heavey, C. L. (2002). Descriptive experience sampling demonstrates the connection of thinking to externally observable behavior. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 26(1), 117–134. Kelan, E. K., & Wang, M. (2013). The gender quota and female leadership: Effects of the Norwegian gender quota on board chairs and CEOs. Journal of Business Ethics, 117(3), 449–466.  Field, E., Krivkovich, A., McConnell, M., Yee, L. & Smith, H. (2024) Women in the Workplace 2024: The 10th‑anniversary report. McKinsey & Company. Retrieved from https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/women-in-the-workplace#/ Novotney, A. (2024) Women leaders make work better. Here's the science behind how to promote them. American Psychological Association. (Blog) Retrieved from: https://www.apa.org/topics/women-girls/female-leaders-make-work-better Paustian-Underdahl, S.C., Smith Sockbeson, C.E., Hall, A.V. & Saldanha Halliday, C. (2024) Gender and Evaluations of Leadership Behaviors: A Meta-Analytic Review of 50 Years of Research. The Leadership Quarterly. Vol. 35, Iss 6 Pew Research Center. (2008, August 25). Men or women: Who's the better leader?.  Raval, A. (2024) Too many women excel at their jobs but are ignored for top roles. (Article) The Financial Times. Retrieved from https://www.ft.com/content/729d1a32-62bf-4d61-b3e3-0763b7fe93ca Ryan, M. K., & Haslam, S. A. (2005). The glass cliff: Evidence that women are over-represented in precarious leadership positions. British Journal of Management, 16(2), 81–90.  Xu, H., Strassmann, J. E., & Saar-Tsechansky, M. (2024). How high-status women promote repeated collaboration among women in male-dominated contexts. arXiv preprint arXiv:2407.03474.  Zenger, J., & Folkman, J. (2019, June 25). Research: Women score higher than men in most leadership skills. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2019/06/research-women-score-higher-than-men-in-most-leadership-skills Zenger, J., & Folkman, J. (2020, December 30). Research: Women are better leaders during a crisis. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2020/12/research-women-are-better-leaders-during-a-crisis ★ Support this podcast ★

    33 min

  6. JUL 27

    Media As Resistance: The Psychology of Necessary Consumption

    Navigating Media Consumption for Psychological Well-Being and Resistance In this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the critical issue of media consumption in the age of information overload and crisis. With facts being scrubbed from official sources and reality under attack, Poston examines the role of independent journalism and social media as lifelines to truth. The episode digs into the psychology of how we consume media, the distinction between staying informed and drowning in trauma, and the impact of the attention economy and algorithms on our emotional well-being. Drawing from psychological theories, research, and historical examples, Poston provides strategies for conscious and sustainable media engagement that honors truth, supports psychological resilience, and serves as a form of resistance. 00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Conscious Media Consumption01:49 The Role of Media in Historical and Modern Crises03:01 The Attention Economy and Emotional Regulation05:19 Healthy vs. Unhealthy Media Engagement07:58 The Psychological Impact of Media Consumption18:06 Parasocial Relationships and Media21:14 The Responsibility of Media Creators24:05 Strategies for Conscious Media Consumption27:05 Conclusion: Transforming Media Consumption into Resistance Research Couldry, N., & Mejias, U. A. (2019). The costs of connection. Stanford University Press. Gross, J. J. (2002). Emotion regulation: Affective, cognitive, and social consequences. Psychophysiology, 39(3), 281–291. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0048577201393198 Holman, E. A., Garfin, D. R., Lubens, P., & Silver, R. C. (2020). Media exposure to collective trauma, mental health, and functioning: Does it matter what you see? Clinical Psychological Science, 8*(1), 111–124 Horton, D., & Wohl, R. R. (1956). Mass communication and parasocial interaction. Psychiatry, 19(3), 215–229. Li, M., Zhou, Y., Luo, J., Liang, X., Wang, Y., Cai, H., Huang, L., Luo, X., Xiang, Q., & Huang, X. (2025). The influence of childhood trauma on social media-induced secondary traumatic stress among college students: The chain mediating effect of self-compassion and resilience. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 16(1), 2456322. https://doi.org/10.1080/20008066.2025.2456322 McLuhan, M. (1964). Understanding media: The extensions of man. McGraw-Hill. Nabi, R. L. (2015). Emotional flow in persuasive health messages. Health Communication, 24(3), 229–236.  Oz, B., Vandekerckhove, M., & Cona, G. (2024). Impact of indirect trauma and disaster media exposure on psychological states and temporal processes: The case of 2023 Turkey earthquakes. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 31(6), e70008. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.70008 Reinecke, L., & Oliver, M. B. (2017). Media use and well-being: Status quo and open questions. In L. Reinecke & M. B. Oliver (Eds.), The Routledge handbook of media use and well-being: International perspectives on theory and research on positive media effects (pp. 3–13). Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group.  Thompson, R. R., Jones, N. M., Holman, E. A., & Silver, R. C. (2019). Media exposure to mass violence events can fuel a cycle of distress. Science advances, 5(4), eaav3502 Wardle, C., & Derakhshan, H. (2017). Information disorder: Toward an interdisciplinary framework. Council of Europe. Zuboff, S. (2019). The age of surveillance capitalism. PublicAffairs. ★ Support this podcast ★

    29 min

  7. JUL 24 · BONUS

    Your Brain on Easy Mode: AI, Comfort, and the Cost of Convenience

    Unmasking the Dangers of 'Preventing Woke AI': A Critical Analysis In this midweek special of PsyberSpace, Leslie Poston addresses a significant news event: the Trump administration's signing of a federal AI action plan as well as an executive order called 'Preventing Woke AI.' Focusing on generative AI, LLM AI, and NLP AI, Poston discusses the implications of how AI, optimized for ease, can subtly reprogram societal norms and reinforce biases. The episode underscores the threat of authoritarian control through AI, the illusion of neutral AI, and the psychological effects of passive AI use. Poston also offers guidance on ethical AI usage and emphasizes the importance of staying aware and critical in the face of AI-driven convenience. The episode concludes with a call to action for supporting human rights-centered AI initiatives and pushing for protective legislation. 00:00 Introduction and Context01:44 The Dangers of AI Comfort02:31 Psychological Impact of AI04:09 Bias and Ideological Control in AI07:59 The Cost of AI Comfort08:49 How to Resist and Use AI Ethically10:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts ★ Support this podcast ★

    11 min

  8. JUL 21

    Why Hard Work Doesn't Always Pay Off: The Psychology of Workplace Myths

    The Myth of Meritocracy: Unpacking Workplace Inequality In this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the illusion of meritocracy in the workplace. Despite the comforting narrative that hard work leads to success, systemic biases and structural inequalities often shape career outcomes more than individual effort. The episode digs into psychological concepts like the just world hypothesis and fundamental attribution error, and cultural factors such as the American Dream and survivor bias. Leslie discusses how these beliefs perpetuate inequality and internalized oppression, offering insights into how organizations and individuals can foster a more equitable environment. Tune in to learn why meritocracy is a myth and how recognizing this can lead to positive change. 00:00 Introduction to Meritocracy01:43 The Just World Hypothesis and Fundamental Attribution Error03:14 The Illusion of Control and Cognitive Consistency04:57 Cultural Programming and Survivor Bias07:36 System Justification and the Matthew Effect09:37 Internalized Depression and Imposter Syndrome14:30 Algorithmic Bias and Workplace Gaslighting21:36 Challenging the Meritocracy Myth25:18 Conclusion and Call to Action Research ★ Support this podcast ★

    27 min
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If you've ever wondered what makes "reply guys" tick, why we fall for emotionally manipulative language in politics, why meetings suck, or how music can reshape your brain, we have the answers! Tune in to PsyberSpace™ every Monday morning and understand your world a little better each week. PsyberSpace explores the evolving landscape where psychology, media, culture, and digital technology converge. Each episode unpacks the impact of tech on our minds, our culture, our work, and our society. We explore pressing topics like the ethics of virtual spaces, misinformation and disinformation, media psychology and marketing, the psychology of business in the age of AI, the influence of social media on mental health, and the implications of digital trends for leaders and organizations. Join us as we provide insights for harnessing tech for positive change in personal lives and within the workplace.

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