Circuit Breaker: Rewiring Your Decisions

Why do rare events feel far more common than they really are? In this episode of Circuit Breaker: Rewiring Your Decisions , we explore the availability error — the mental shortcut that makes us judge probability based on how easily examples come to mind. From dramatic news stories to personal memories that stick with us, we uncover how vivid or recent information can distort our perception of risk...

Why do some people spiral into addiction while others — even with the same access — stay completely fine? In this episode of Circuit Breaker: Rewiring Your Decisions , we dive into Bruce Alexander’s groundbreaking work on addiction, namely, the famous Rat Park experiment. His research shows that addiction isn’t just about drugs — it’s about environment, connection, and purpose. Rats in isolated, b...

Why do subtle cues in our environment quietly shape our thoughts, feelings, and decisions—often without us noticing? In this episode of Circuit Breaker: Rewiring Your Decisions , we dive into priming — the psychological phenomenon where exposure to certain words, images, or ideas can influence how we interpret the world and how we behave next. From tiny triggers that nudge our mood to hidden cues...

Why do ordinary people slip into cruel or submissive roles the moment power is handed out? In this episode of Circuit Breaker: Rewiring Your Decisions , we examine the Stanford Prison Experiment — the infamous study that revealed just how quickly authority, environment, and assigned roles can transform behaviour. From guards who escalated into aggression to prisoners who internalised obedience and...

Why do people fail to step in during an emergency — even when they know someone needs help? In this episode of Circuit Breaker: Rewiring Your Decisions , we explore the psychology behind the bystander effect — the strange social phenomenon where the presence of others makes us less likely to take action. From classic studies by Darley and Latané to real-world moments where hesitation can have seri...

Why do we go along with the crowd, even when we know they might be wrong? In this episode of Circuit Breaker: Rewiring Your Decisions , we dive into the psychology of group conformity — the powerful social pull that makes us blend in, stay quiet, and follow others, often without realizing it. From classic experiments like Asch’s line test to everyday situations where peer pressure subtly shapes ou...

Why do ordinary people follow orders that go against their morals? In this episode of Circuit Breaker: Rewiring Your Decisions , we look at the psychology behind obedience to authority. Through the lens of Stanley Milgram’s shocking experiment, we explore how power, pressure, and perceived responsibility can override personal judgment. Learn what this reveals about human nature—and how understandi...