PsyberSpace® - we help you understand your world

PsyberSpace: Exploring the Psychological Dimensions of Climate Change In this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the psychological impact of climate change on human thoughts, behaviors, and societal structures. The episode explores climate anxiety, psychological barriers to climate action, and the role of community resilience. Insights from experts like Dr. Susan Clayton and Dr....

Understanding the Psychology Behind the Spread of Misinformation In this episode of PsyberSpace, host and media psychologist Leslie Poston digs into the psychological mechanisms that drive the spread of misinformation. Exploring the impacts of misinformation in contexts such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 US presidential election, and climate change denial, Poston highlights the role of cognit...

Unlocking the Power of Psychological Safety: Boosting Workplace Productivity and Innovation In this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the critical concept of psychological safety in the workplace. The discussion covers how creating an environment where employees feel secure to take risks and express themselves can lead to enhanced wellbeing, productivity, and company profitabili...

The Psychology of Online Corrections: Unpacking Reply Guys and Misinformation In this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston gets into the psychology behind online corrections. The discussion explores why individuals feel compelled to correct others online, the impact of these behaviors on digital discourse, and their role in the spread of misinformation. Key concepts such as cognitive load th...

The Psychology of Hope: Understanding Its Power and Impact In this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston delves into the concept of hope, exploring its definition, neurological basis, and significant psychological benefits. The discussion covers pioneering theories by CR Snyder, recent neurological studies on the brain's activity during hopeful thoughts, and the impact of hope on mental and p...

Understanding Generational Dynamics: Conflicts, Stereotypes, and Cooperation In this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston delves into the intricate world of generational dynamics. Leslie explains how every generation is shaped by distinct historical and societal events, affecting their values and behaviors. The episode covers the characteristics and conflicts among Baby Boomers, Generation X...

Unpacking the Psychological Tactics and Impact of Gaslighting In this episode of PsyberSpace, hosted by Leslie Poston, the focus is on the psychological manipulation tactic known as gaslighting. The discussion covers the origins, mechanisms, and impacts of gaslighting across various contexts including personal relationships, workplaces, and political arenas. It includes insights into the psycholog...

Unseen Bonds: The Psychology of Mass Delusion in Extremist Groups In this episode of 'PsyberSpace', host Leslie Poston dives into the psychology of mass delusion in extremist groups. Covering historical and modern examples, Leslie explores how xenophobic organizations, extremist religious movements, authoritarian entities, and even think tanks manipulate collective beliefs to enforce their agendas...

The Psychology of Forgetting: Understanding Memory Lapses and Enhancing Recall In this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston delves into the intricacies of memory, specifically focusing on why we forget. The discussion includes the impact of stress, information overload, and emotional events on memory retention. Key memory theories, such as the decay theory and interference theory, are explor...

Crowd Psychology in Concerts: Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour vs. Kendrick Lamar’s Pop-Out Event In this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the psychology of crowds at music concerts, focusing on Taylor Swift’s Eras tour and Kendrick Lamar’s pop-out concert. The discussion covers the foundational concepts of crowd psychology, including theories by Gustave Le Bon, and extends to modern p...

Invisible Strings: The Hidden Power of Anticipatory Compliance in Shaping Minds In this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores 'anticipatory compliance'—a phenomenon where individuals conform to expectations in advance, often under the influence of propaganda or social pressures. Leslie delves into how anticipatory compliance shapes individual behavior, political landscapes, and socie...

The Psychology of Likability and Politeness as Social Control In this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the intricate and often controversial dynamics of likability, politeness, and professionalism. Focusing on their roles as tools of control, the episode delves into how these constructs influence power dynamics across race, gender, and age, particularly in the American context....

This episode of PsyberSpace hosted by Leslie Poston looks into the profound impact of music on the brain, exploring how it boosts cognitive function, aids in neurological therapy, and enhances overall brain health. Notable insights include the work of neurologist Oliver Sacks, the concept of the Mozart Effect, and the therapeutic uses of music for conditions such as ADHD and dementia. The discussi...

Close Connections: Exploring Parasocial Relationships on TikTok Exploring parasocial relationships on TikTok and the psychological dynamics behind them, focusing on the unique aspects of TikTok that intensify one-sided bonds. 00:00 Introduction to Parasocial Relationships 01:12 Evolution of Parasocial Relationships with Technology 02:28 Psychological Appeal of Parasocial Relationships 03:28 Impact...

The Power of Language in Shaping Policy: An Examination of 'For the Children' In this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the significant role of emotionally charged language in influencing public opinion and policy. The discussion focuses on the phrase 'for the children,' its psychological impact, and its use in promoting initiatives like the KOSA legislation. The episode highlig...

In this episode of PsyberSpace, Leslie Poston explores the dynamic evolution of digital language and its implications for freedom of expression and community engagement. From TikTok euphemisms to linguistic strategies on Twitter (now X), we dig into how content creators adapt their language to navigate algorithmic censorship and platform policies. With insights from academic studies and real-world...

Exploring the Psychology of Online Communities This episode delves into the complex world of online communities, examining how they shape our identities, interactions, and societal influences.  Introduction to Online Communities  The Allure of Online Communities  Generational Differences in Online Engagement  Identity Formation and Social Influence  Challenges of Online Communities ★ Support this...

Understanding Defensive Reactions and Cognitive Dissonance In this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the psychological triggers of defensive reactions when personal beliefs are challenged, often manifested in viral 'Karen' incidents. Poston explores cognitive dissonance, introduced by Leon Festinger, as the discomfort arising from holding contradictory beliefs, and how this lead...

Harnessing Fast and Slow Thinking in the Digital Age In this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores key concepts from Daniel Kahneman's book, Thinking, Fast and Slow, to understand how our cognitive processes, specifically System 1 and System 2 thinking, impact various aspects of our digital and real-world experiences. System 1 is characterized by fast, automatic responses, while Syst...

Welcome to PsyberSpace! Meet your host, Leslie, and get a preview of upcoming topics. ★ Support this podcast ★