PsyberSpace: Understand Your World

Leslie Poston

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. قبل يومين

    We're All Living in Different Realities (Literally)

    The Brain's Reality: How Our Perception Shapes Our World In 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 challenges the notion of objective perception and highlights the ethical stakes of our constructed realities. 00:00 Introduction: Living in Different Realities00:20 The McGurk Effect: Seeing is Believing03:47 Predictive Processing: How Brains Build Reality09:10 Attention and Perception: The Invisible Gorilla12:48 Interoception: Your Body Votes on Reality16:33 Memory: Reconstructing the Past19:46 Cultural Influence: Preloaded Predictions23:28 Neurodiversity: Different Prediction Parameters27:52 Manipulated Realities: Algorithms and DeepFakes32:59 Collective Reality: Synchronizing Priors37:12 Practical Steps: Flexibility and Accuracy40:08 Ethical Implications: Life or Death Stakes44:21 Conclusion: Stay Curious McGurk Effect (video via BBC)Green Needle Brainstorm Effect (video) Resources Bail, C. A., Argyle, L. P., Brown, T. W., Bumpus, J. P., Chen, H., Hunzaker, M. B. F., Lee, J., Mann, M., Merhout, F., & Volfovsky, A. (2018). Exposure to opposing views on social media can increase political polarization. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 115(37), 9216-9221. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1804840115Botvinick, M., & Cohen, J. (1998). Rubber hands 'feel' touch that eyes see. Nature, 391(6669), 756. https://doi.org/10.1038/35784Clark, A. (2013). Whatever next? Predictive brains, situated agents, and the future of cognitive science. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 36(3), 181-204. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0140525X12000477Colloca, L., & Benedetti, F. (2005). Placebos and painkillers: Is mind as real as matter? Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 6(7), 545-552. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn1705Corlett, P. R., Frith, C. D., & Fletcher, P. C. (2009). From drugs to deprivation: A Bayesian framework for understanding models of psychosis. Psychopharmacology, 206(4), 515-530. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-009-1561-0Critchley, H. D., Wiens, S., Rotshtein, P., Öhman, A., & Dolan, R. J. (2004). Neural systems supporting interoceptive awareness. Nature Neuroscience, 7(2), 189-195. https://doi.org/10.1038/nn1176de Lange, F. P., Heilbron, M., & Kok, P. (2018). How do expectations shape perception? Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 22(9), 764-779. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2018.06.002Fletcher, P. C., & Frith, C. D. (2009). Perceiving is believing: A Bayesian approach to explaining the positive symptoms of schizophrenia. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 10(1), 48-58. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn2536Friston, K. (2005). A theory of cortical responses. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 360(1456), 815-836. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2005.1622Friston, K. (2010). The free-energy principle: A unified brain theory? Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 11(2), 127-138. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn2787Garfinkel, S. N., Minati, L., Gray, M. A., Seth, A. K., Dolan, R. J., & Critchley, H. D. (2014). Fear from the heart: Sensitivity to fear stimuli depends on individual heartbeats. Journal of Neuroscience, 34(19), 6573-6582. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3507-13.2014Garfinkel, S. N., Seth, A. K., Barrett, A. B., Suzuki, K., & Critchley, H. D. (2015). Knowing your own heart: Distinguishing interoceptive accuracy from interoceptive awareness. Biological Psychology, 104, 65-74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsycho.2014.11.004Gotlib, I. H., & Joormann, J. (2010). Cognition and depression: Current status and future directions. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 6, 285-312. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.clinpsy.121208.131305Haley G. Frey, Lua Koenig, Ned Block, Biyu J. He, Jan W. Brascamp; Memory representations during slow change blindness. Journal of Vision 2024;24(9):8. https://doi.org/10.1167/jov.24.9.8.Henrich, J., Heine, S. J., & Norenzayan, A. (2010). The weirdest people in the world? Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 33(2-3), 61-83. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0140525X0999152XHohwy, J. (2013). The predictive mind. Oxford University Press.Keller, G.B., & Sterzer, P. (2024). Predictive Processing: A Circuit Approach to Psychosis. Annual review of neuroscience.Lafer-Sousa, R., Hermann, K. L., & Conway, B. R. (2015). Striking individual differences in color perception uncovered by 'the dress' photograph. Current Biology, 25(13), R545-R546. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2015.04.053Loftus, E. F. (1975). Leading questions and the eyewitness report. Cognitive Psychology, 7(4), 560-572. https://doi.org/10.1016/0010-0285(75)90023-7Loftus, E. F. (2005). Planting misinformation in the human mind: A 30-year investigation of the malleability of memory. Learning & Memory, 12(4), 361-366. https://doi.org/10.1101/lm.94705Lupyan, G., & Clark, A. (2015). Words and the world: Predictive coding and the language-perception-cognition interface. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 24(4), 279-284. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721415570732Masuda, T., & Nisbett, R. E. (2001). Attending holistically versus analytically: Comparing the context sensitivity of Japanese and Americans. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 81(5), 922-934. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.81.5.922McGurk, H., & MacDonald, J. (1976). Hearing lips and seeing voices. Nature, 264(5588), 746-748. https://doi.org/10.1038/264746a0Nader, K., Schafe, G. E., & Le Doux, J. E. (2000). Fear memories require protein synthesis in the amygdala for reconsolidation after retrieval. Nature, 406(6797), 722-726. https://doi.org/10.1038/35021052Nickerson, R. S. (1998). Confirmation bias: A ubiquitous phenomenon in many guises. Review of General Psychology, 2(2), 175-220. https://doi.org/10.1037/1089-2680.2.2.175Pariser, E. (2011). The filter bubble: What the internet is hiding from you. Penguin Press.Pellicano, E., & Burr, D. (2012). When the world becomes 'too real': A Bayesian explanation of autistic perception. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 16(10), 504-510. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2012.08.009Pressnitzer, D., Sayles, M., Micheyl, C., & Winter, I. M. (2008). Perceptual organization of sound begins in the auditory periphery. Current Biology, 18(15), 1124-1128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2008.06.053Qi, J., Peng, J., & Kang, X. (2025). Predictive processing among individuals with autism spectrum disorder during online language comprehension: A preliminary systematic review. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-024-06704-9Raymond, J. E., Shapiro, K. L., & Arnell, K. M. (1992). Temporary suppression of visual processing in an RSVP task: An attentional blink? Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance, 18(3), 849-860. https://doi.org/10.1037/0096-1523.18.3.849Rensink, R. A., O'Regan, J. K., & Clark, J. J. (1997). To see or not to see: The need for attention to perceive changes in scenes. Psychological Science, 8(5), 368-373. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.1997.tb00427.xAllostatic Interoceptive Overload Across Psychiatric and ...

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  2. ٢٧ أكتوبر

    The Bystander Effect Revisited: Courage Against “Inevitable” Harm

    Unmasking the Bystander Effect: Courage in the Face of Threats In this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston revisits the classic psychology concept of the bystander effect, challenging the common narrative of human apathy in groups. Starting with the infamous case of Kitty Genovese, Leslie digs into how exaggerations shaped public perception and spurred psychological research. The episode highlights recent studies showing that people often do intervene in emergencies, especially under clear and urgent threats, and how community ties and moral identity play pivotal roles in fostering collective courage. It emphasizes the power of individual actions to inspire group responses, debunking the myth of inevitable passivity and urging listeners to prepare and engage in acts of resistance against authoritarian harm. 00:00 Introduction to the Bystander Effect00:31 The Kitty Genovese Case: Myth vs. Reality01:55 Reevaluating the Bystander Effect03:35 Classic Experiments on Group Behavior05:01 Modern Research and Real-World Evidence07:49 Community Bonds and Collective Efficacy16:15 Digital Age: Online Bystander Effect and Resistance17:33 Historical and Contemporary Examples of Resistance22:08 Practical Steps for Personal and Community Action24:25 Conclusion: The Power of Collective Courage Resources: Adorno, T. W., Frenkel-Brunswik, E., Levinson, D. J., & Sanford, R. N. (1950). The authoritarian personality. Harper.Ai, Y., Ismail, R., & Chong, S. T. (2024). A study of the bystander effect in different helping situations. Social Psychology and Society, 15(1), 127–136.Aquino, K., & Reed, A., II. (2002). The self-importance of moral identity. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 83(6), 1423–1440.Bandura, A. (1999). Moral disengagement in the perpetration of inhumanities. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 3(3), 193–209.Banyard, V., Mitchell, K. J., Goodman, K. L., & Ybarra, M. L. (2025). Bystanders to sexual violence: Findings from a national sample of sexual and gender diverse adolescents. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 40(5–6), 1221–1247. (Epub 2024)Barlińska, J., Szuster, A., & Winiewski, M. (2018). Cyberbullying among adolescent bystanders: Role of affective versus cognitive empathy in increasing prosocial cyberbystander behavior. Frontiers in Psychology, 4, 48.Batson, C. D., Batson, J. G., Slingsby, J. K., Harrell, K. L., Peekna, H. M., & Todd, R. M. (1991). Empathic joy and the empathy–altruism hypothesis. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 61(3), 413–426.Fischer, P., Greitemeyer, T., Pollozek, F., & Frey, D. (2006). The unresponsive bystander: Are bystanders more responsive in dangerous emergencies? European Journal of Social Psychology, 36(2), 267–278.Fischer, P., Krueger, J. I., Greitemeyer, T., Vogrincic, C., Kastenmüller, A., Frey, D., Heene, M., Wicher, M., & Kainbacher, M. (2011). The bystander-effect: A meta-analytic review on bystander intervention in dangerous and non-dangerous emergencies. Psychological Bulletin, 137(4), 517–537.Granovetter, M. (1978). Threshold models of collective behavior. American Journal of Sociology, 83(6), 1420–1443.Greitemeyer, T., Osswald, S., Fischer, P., & Frey, D. (2007). Civil courage: Implicit theories, related concepts, and Measurement. Journal of Positive Psychology, 2(2)115-119.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.Kowalski, R. M., Giumetti, G. W., Schroeder, A. N., & Lattanner, M. R. (2014). Bullying in the digital age: A critical review and meta-analysis of cyberbullying research among youth. Psychological Bulletin, 140(4), 1073–1137.Latané, B., & Darley, J. M. (1968). Group inhibition of bystander intervention in emergencies. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 10(3), 215–221.Latané, B., & Darley, J. M. (1970). The unresponsive bystander: Why doesn’t he help? Appleton-Century Crofts.Levine, M., & Crowther, S. (2008). The responsive bystander: How social group membership and group size can encourage as well as inhibit bystander intervention. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 95(6), 1429–1439.Manning, R., Levine, M., & Collins, A. (2007). The Kitty Genovese murder and the social psychology of helping: The parable of the 38 witnesses. American Psychologist, 62(6), 555–562.Miller, D. T., & McFarland, C. (1987). Pluralistic ignorance: When similarity is interpreted as dissimilarity. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 53(2), 298–305.Monroe, K. R. (1996). The heart of altruism: Perceptions of a common humanity. Princeton University Press.Monroe, K. R. (2008). Cracking the code of genocide: The moral psychology of rescuers, bystanders, and Nazis during the Holocaust. Political Psychology, 29(5), 699–736.Oliner, S. P., & Oliner, P. M. (1988). The altruistic personality: Rescuers of Jews in Nazi Europe. Free Press.Philpot, R., Liebst, L. S., Levine, M., Bernasco, W., & Lindegaard, M. R. (2020). Would I be helped? Cross-national CCTV footage shows that intervention is the norm in public conflicts. American Psychologist, 75(1), 66-75 (Epub 2019).Sampson, R. J., Raudenbush, S. W., & Earls, F. (1997). Neighborhoods and violent crime: A multilevel study of collective efficacy. Science, 277(5328), 918–924.Scott, J. C. (1987). Weapons of the weak: Everyday forms of peasant resistance. Yale University Press.Seligman, M. E. P. (1972). Learned helplessness. Freeman.Snow, D. A., & Soule, S. A. (2009). A primer on social movements. W. W. Norton.Swedberg, R. (1999) Civil Courage (“Zivilcourage”): The Case of Knut Wicksell. Theory and Society. 28(4), 501-528. ★ Support this podcast ★

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  3. ٢٠ أكتوبر

    The Psychology of Better Work: Why Remote Work, Rest, and Shorter Weeks Help Us Thrive

    Revolutionizing Work: Psychology's Role in Shaping the Future In this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the psychology and future of work. The discussion highlights the benefits of remote and flexible work, shorter work weeks, universal basic income, and the importance of rest in creating healthy and productive work environments. Leslie explains how outdated work models are being challenged by new data and psychological insights, emphasizing that autonomy, flexibility, and psychological safety are key to higher productivity and well-being. The episode also critiques the motivations behind return-to-office mandates and the misuse of AI for layoffs, advocating for a shift toward work models that prioritize human flourishing. 00:00 Introduction: The Future of Work01:02 The Benefits of Remote Work03:00 The Push for Office Return06:37 AI and Workforce Changes08:24 The Four-Day Work Week10:56 Universal Basic Income Experiments13:13 The Importance of Rest18:16 Psychological Safety and Team Dynamics20:50 Rethinking Work Structures23:12 Conclusion: Life First, Work Second Resources: American Psychological Association. (2021). 2021 Work and Well-being Survey.  Bloom, N., Han, R., & Liang, J. (2024). Hybrid working from home improves retention without damaging performance. Nature, 630(8018), 920–925.  Bloom, N., Liang, J., Roberts, J., & Ying, Z. J. (2015). Does working from home work? Evidence from a Chinese experiment. The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 130(1), 165–218. Boston Consulting Group. (2025, February 4). GenAI doesn't just increase productivity. It expands capabilities. https://www.bcg.com/publications/2024/gen-ai-increases-productivity-and-expands-capabilitiesCNBC. (2025, July 22). In recent layoffs, AI's role may be bigger than companies are letting on. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/20/in-job-losses-ais-role-may-be-bigger-than-companies-say.htmlCNBC. (2025, October 19). Companies are blaming AI for job cuts. Critics say it's a 'good excuse' https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/19/firms-are-blaming-ai-for-job-cuts-critics-say-its-a-good-excuse.html Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. Plenum Press. Duhigg, C. (2016, February 25). What Google learned from its quest to build the perfect team. The New York Times Magazine. Edmondson, A. (1999). Psychological safety and learning behavior in work teams. Administrative Science Quarterly, 44(2), 350–383. Fortune. (2025, August 8). AI-driven layoffs are on the rise as the job market shrinks for recent grads. https://fortune.com/2025/08/08/ai-layoffs-jobs-market-shrinks-entry-level/ Guðmundsson, H. J. (2021). Going public: Iceland's journey to a shorter working week. Autonomy & Alda.  Haraldsson, G., Kellam, J., & Trickett, R. (2024). On firmer ground: Iceland's ongoing experience of shorter working weeks. Autonomy & Alda.  Hersey, T. (2022). Rest is resistance: A manifesto. Little, Brown Spark. Kangas, O., Jauhiainen, S., Simanainen, M., & Ylikännö, M. (Eds.). (2020). The basic income experiment 2017–2018 in Finland: Preliminary results. Reports and Memorandums of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health 2019:9.  Lee, D.-W., & Ko, I.-S. (2023). Association of long commute time with mental health: A cross-sectional study using Korea Working Conditions Survey. Journal of Transport & Health, 32, 101659.  Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370–396.  Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78 Sandow, E. (2011). On the road: Social aspects of commuting long distances to work [Doctoral dissertation, Umeå University]. DiVA. Schor, J., Gu, G., Naidu, S., Rooney, R., Rodenhiser-Hill, J., West, K., Hocquet, L., Hunt, K., Shaughnessy, T., & Gursoz, E. (2023). The results are in: The UK's four-day week pilot. Autonomy. Walker, M. (2017). Why we sleep: Unlocking the power of sleep and dreams. Scribner. West, S., Castro Baker, A., Samra, S., & Coltrera, E. (2021). Preliminary analysis: SEED's first year. Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration. World Economic Forum & PwC. (2024, November). Leveraging generative AI for job augmentation and workforce productivity. https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/issues/artificial-intelligence/wef-leveraging-generative-ai-for-job-augmentation-and-workforce-productivity-2024.pdfWorld Economic Forum. (2025). The Future of Jobs Report 2025. https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025/Xiang, L., Peng, S., Mitchell, M., & Bernstein, M. S. (2025). Future of work with AI agents: Auditing automation and augmentation potential across the U.S. workforce. arXiv preprint arXiv:2506.06576 ★ Support this podcast ★

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  4. ١٢ أكتوبر

    Why Your Surgeon Wears Special Socks: The Psychology of Talismans and Lucky Charms

    The Power of Talismans: Mind Over Matter In 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 or digital, help us face uncertainty and regulate our emotions, anchoring us in chaotic situations. 00:00 Introduction to Talismans and Rituals00:53 The Psychology Behind Talismans01:27 Historical and Cultural Perspectives02:39 Modern Examples and Psychological Mechanisms05:24 Rituals in High-Stakes Professions07:30 Sports and Performance Enhancement10:30 The Placebo Effect and Physical Properties13:25 Cultural Significance and Adaptation16:20 When Rituals Become Unhealthy19:40 Digital Age Talismans22:14 Conclusion: The Power of Belief References Atkinson, P. (1981). The clinical experience: The construction and reconstruction of medical reality. Gower. Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. W. H. Freeman. Berle, D., Starcevic, V., Wootton, B., Arnáez, S., & Baggio, S. (2023). A network approach to understanding obsessions and compulsions. Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, 36, 100786.  Damisch, L., Stoberock, B., & Mussweiler, T. (2010). Keep your fingers crossed! How superstition improves performance. Psychological Science, 21(7), 1014–1020.  Davoudi, M., Mohammadzadeh, A., Vafaei, A., Mirzaei, S. M., & Ghanbari Jolfaei, A. (2024). A cross-sectional study in two common OCD subtypes: Network structure of symptoms, personality, and obsessive beliefs. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 15, 1330901.  Einstein, D. A., & Menzies, R. G. (2004). The presence of magical thinking in obsessive–compulsive disorder. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 42, 539–549.  Einstein, D. A., & Menzies, R. G. (2004). Role of magical thinking in obsessive–compulsive symptoms in an undergraduate sample. Depression and Anxiety, 19, 174–179.  Edwards, C. D. (2023). Obsessive–compulsive disorder in sports—Beyond superstitions. Advances in Psychiatry and Behavioral Health. Advance online publication.  Fite, R. E., Adut, S. L., & Magee, J. C. (2020). Do you believe in magical thinking? Examining magical thinking as a mediator between obsessive–compulsive belief domains and symptoms. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 48(4), 454–462.  Frazer, J. G. (1996). The golden bough: A study in magic and religion. Oxford University Press. (Original work published 1890) Langer, E. J. (1975). The illusion of control. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 32(2), 311–328. Rabinovitch, H. (2025). Playoff beards and unwashed uniforms: A scoping review on athletes’ superstitions and rituals. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology. Advance online publication.  West, B., & Willner, P. (2011). Magical thinking in obsessive–compulsive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 39(4), 399–411.  Vyse, S. A. (2014). Believing in magic: The psychology of superstition (Updated ed.). Oxford University Press.    ★ Support this podcast ★

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  5. ٦ أكتوبر

    The Psychology of Everyday Aesthetics: Why Your Surroundings Shape How You Feel

    The Psychology of Everyday Aesthetics: How Our Surroundings Shape Our Well-being In 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 productivity. This episode emphasizes that aesthetics aren't frivolous but functional, and they play a crucial role in our daily lives and mental health. 00:00 Introduction to PsyberSpace00:23 The Cafe Effect: How Environment Enhances Experience01:01 The Psychology of Everyday Aesthetics02:25 The Science Behind Aesthetic Responses04:12 Environmental Psychology and Neuroaesthetics08:33 The Impact of Light, Color, and Texture11:11 Aesthetics and Memory: Emotional Anchors17:31 Designing for Wellbeing: Practical Tips20:33 Conclusion: Aesthetics as Functional and Essential References Browning, W. D., Ryan, C. O., & Clancy, J. O. (2014). 14 patterns of biophilic design. Terrapin Bright Green. Cela-Conde, C. J., Marty, G., Maestú, F., Ortiz, T., Munar, E., Fernández, A., Roca, M., Rosselló, J., & Quesney, F. (2004). Activation of the prefrontal cortex in the human visual aesthetic perception. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 101(16), 6321–6325. Chatterjee, A., & Vartanian, O. (2014). Neuroaesthetics. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 18(7), 370–375. Cupchik, G. C. (2009). Viewing artworks: Contributions of cognitive control and perceptual facilitation to aesthetic experience. Brain and Cognition, 70(1), 84–91. Kaplan, R., & Kaplan, S. (1989). The experience of nature: A psychological perspective. Cambridge University Press. Kaplan, S. (1995). The restorative benefits of nature: Toward an integrative framework. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 15(3), 169–182. Kawabata, H., & Zeki, S. (2004). Neural correlates of beauty. Journal of Neurophysiology, 91(4), 1699–1705. Kellert, S. R., Heerwagen, J., & Mador, M. (Eds.). (2008). Biophilic design: The theory, science and practice of bringing buildings to life. John Wiley & Sons. Ohly, H., White, M. P., Wheeler, B. W., Bethel, A., Ukoumunne, O. C., Nikolaou, V., & Garside, R. (2016). Attention restoration theory: A systematic review of the attention restoration potential of exposure to natural environments. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part B, 19(7), 305–343. Ulrich, R. S. (1984). View through a window may influence recovery from surgery. Science, 224(4647), 420–421. Ulrich, R. S. (1991). Stress recovery during exposure to natural and urban environments. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 11(3), 201–230. Zeki, S. (1999). Inner vision: An exploration of art and the brain. Oxford University Press. Zeki, S., Romaya, J. P., Benincasa, D. M. T., & Atiyah, M. F. (2014). The experience of mathematical beauty and its neural correlates. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 8, 68. Zeki, S., Chén, O. Y., & Romaya, J. P. (2020). Neuroaesthetics: The art, science, and brain triptych. In A. Chatterjee & E. Cardillo (Eds.), Brain, beauty & art: Essays bringing neuroaesthetics into focus (pp. 1–28). Oxford University Press. ★ Support this podcast ★

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    The AI Transparency Trap: Why Honesty About AI Use Destroys Trust

    The Transparency Trap: How AI Disclosure Erodes Trust In 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 professional identity and transparent AI integration. 00:00 Introduction to Today's Unique Episode01:41 The Transparency Dilemma Study03:32 Understanding the Legitimacy Discount04:07 Identity Protective Cognition and AI06:29 The Role of Professional Identity09:32 Moral Licensing and Cognitive Dissonance19:35 Systemic Issues and Forced AI Adoption22:06 Strategies for Cultural and Institutional Change25:28 Conclusion and Broader Implications References Schilke, O., & Reimann, M. (2025). The transparency dilemma: How AI disclosure erodes trust. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 188, 104405.  Festinger, L. (1957). A theory of cognitive dissonance. Stanford University Press. Tajfel, H., & Turner, J. C. (1979). An integrative theory of intergroup conflict. In W. G. Austin & S. Worchel (Eds.), The social psychology of intergroup relations (pp. 33–47). Brooks/Cole. Lamont, M. (1992). Money, morals, and manners: The culture of the French and the American upper-middle class. University of Chicago Press.(see past episodes for more) ★ Support this podcast ★

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  7. ٢٩ سبتمبر

    Frictionless and Forgettable: How Tech Undermines Friendship and Creativity

    The Cost of Convenience: How Technology is Redefining Connection and Creativity In 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 accessibility and meaningful challenge, urging listeners to choose their frictions wisely and remain intentional about the technologies they adopt. 00:00 Introduction and Inspiration00:38 The Impact of Social Media on Friendships02:48 Emotional Labor and Effort Justification08:38 The Role of Friction in Creativity14:31 The Downside of Frictionless Technology18:52 Balancing Accessibility and Meaningful Engagement21:05 Conclusion: Embracing Productive Friction References Aaru, J. (2025) Artificial Intelligence and the Internal Processes of Creativity. The Journal of Creative Behavior. 59(2)Al-Zahrani, A.M. (2024) Balancing Act: Exploring the Interplay Between Human Judgement and Artificial Intelligence in Problem-Solving, Creativity, and Decision-Making. IgMin Research. 2(3): 145-158Alter, A. L., Oppenheimer, D. M., Epley, N., & Eyre, R. N. (2007). Overcoming intuition: Metacognitive difficulty activates analytic reasoning. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 136(4), 569–576. Bjork, R. A. (1994). Memory and metamemory considerations in the training of human beings. In J. Metcalfe & A. P. Shimamura (Eds.), Metacognition: Knowing about knowing (pp. 185–205). MIT Press. Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The psychology of optimal experience. Harper & Row.Dunbar, R. I. M. (1998). The social brain hypothesis. Evolutionary Anthropology, 6(5), 178–190.Ellis, K., & Kent, M. (2011). Disability and new media. Routledge.Festinger, L. (1957). A theory of cognitive dissonance. Stanford University Press. Hochschild, A. R. (1983). The managed heart: Commercialization of human feeling. University of California Press. Hochschild, A. R. (1983). The managed heart: Commercialization of human feeling.Risko, E. F., & Gilbert, S. J. (2016). Cognitive offloading. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 20(9), 676–688.  Norman, D. A. (2007). The design of future things. Basic Books.Raichle, M. E., et al. (2001). A default mode of brain function. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 98(2), 676-682.Seligman, M. E. P. (1972). Learned helplessness. Annual Review of Medicine, 23(1), 407-412.Sweller, J. (1988). Cognitive load during problem solving: Effects on learning. Cognitive Science, 12(2), 257-285.Skinner, B. F. (1953). Science and human behavior.Article in New Yorker on AI and Culture: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2025/09/01/ai-is-coming-for-culture ★ Support this podcast ★

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  8. ٢٢ سبتمبر

    Stuck in the In-Between: The Psychology of Liminal Spaces

    Exploring the Psychological Depths of Liminal Spaces In 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. 00:00 Introduction to Liminal Spaces01:55 The Concept of Liminality02:51 Modern Life and Liminality04:06 Airports: The Ultimate Liminal Space06:21 Dead Malls: Ghosts of Movement08:42 Traffic and Transit: Daily Liminal Encounters12:56 Hospitals and Hotels: Ambiguous Comfort15:02 Digital Liminality: The Eternal Scroll17:23 Psychological Implications of Liminal Spaces22:23 Navigating Liminal Spaces24:26 Conclusion: Embracing the In-Between References Arnett, J. J. (2004). Emerging adulthood: The winding road from the late teens through the twenties. Oxford University Press. Augé, M. (1995). Non-places: Introduction to an anthropology of supermodernity (J. Howe, Trans.). Verso. Bauman, Z. (2000). Liquid modernity. Polity Press. Boss, P. (2007). Ambiguous loss theory: Challenges for scholars and practitioners. Family Relations, 56(2), 105-111. Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1996). Creativity: Flow and the psychology of discovery and invention. Harper Perennial. Evans, G. W., Hygge, S., & Bullinger, M. (1995). Chronic noise and psychological stress. Psychological Science, 6(6), 333–338. Goffman, E. (1963). Behavior in public places: Notes on the social organization of gatherings. Free Press. Lin, Y. H., Lin, Y. C., Lee, Y. H., Lin, P. H., Lin, S. H., & Chang, L. R. (2019). Time distortion associated with smartphone addiction: Identifying predictors and consequences. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 115, 84–90. Raichle, M. E., MacLeod, A. M., Snyder, A. Z., Powers, W. J., Gusnard, D. A., & Shulman, G. L. (2001). A default mode of brain function. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 98(2), 676–682. Smallwood, J., & Schooler, J. W. (2006). The restless mind. Psychological Bulletin, 132(6), 946–958. Smith, S. M., & Vela, E. (2001). Environmental context-dependent memory: A review and meta-analysis. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 8(2), 203–220. Thomassen, B. (2009). The uses and meanings of liminality. International Political Anthropology, 2(1), 5–27. Tulving, E. (2002). Episodic memory: From mind to brain. Annual Review of Psychology, 53(1), 1–25. Turner, V. (1969). The ritual process: Structure and anti-structure. Aldine. Ulrich, R. S. (1984). View through a window may influence recovery from surgery. Science, 224(4647), 420–421. van Gennep, A. (1909). The rites of passage. University of Chicago Press. ★ Support this podcast ★

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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.