Why do we concentrate more on tragedies when it impacts a small number of people close to home, and what does that mean for our response to COVID-19?
On Coronavirus Myths, and Why We Fall Prey To Them
Why are we so susceptible to myths about the coronavirus and COVID-19, and what can we do to inoculate ourselves against fake news?
On Making Decisions Under Uncertainty
COVID-19 has stalled many aspects of our lives, and we’re not sure how the whole thing will turn out, when the isolation orders will lift, or even what our new normal will look like. How do we go about making decisions about our lives with these insanely high levels of uncertainty?
On The Viral Nature of Chain Mail
There’s a new virus making the rounds: Chain Mail. Chain mail is seeing a real rise during COVID-19, especially on social media where we’ve been tagging friends and tasks and images have been making the rounds. Do we actually believe our decisions to forward or not forward these messages give us good luck or bad luck, or is this just irrational?
On Working From Home: The Survival Guide
Look like we’re going to be in this new world of working from home for a while now. Find out how your personality, funny dances, and wearing pants play into surviving working from home.
On the Power of Positivity
Harness the power of positive psychology during these uncertain times by shifting your focus towards happiness, love and inspiration with these tips from Dr. D!
On Virus Rebels and Covidiots
First social distancing and now we’re making up words!? This week I apply psych and behavioural economics to understand those who flout the social distancing measures put in place to keep people safe.
On the Self-Isolation Survival Guide
This week I provide concrete tips on how to survive (and thrive!) during social distancing measures brought on by COVID-19. Stay healthy out there people!
On Hoarding Toilet Paper
What does behavioural economics say about the mad rush for toilet paper this week? Read on to find out!
On the Vulnerability Hangover
Anyone who has gone out on a limb will surely be familiar with the pangs of the dreaded Vulnerability Hangover. After doing my talk on Imposter Syndrome in front of 700 people last week, I sure am! This week I talk about my experience with opening up, and share some tips to make the aftermath a little less ARRRGGGHHHHHH.
On Fact Checking In An Age of Fake News
Fire up your BS-detector and join Dr. D on an examination of what makes us so susceptible to fake news… and what we should do about it.
On Reclining Seats (And Your Sanity)
Is it ok to recline your seat all the way on a plane? This week I look at the psychology of personal space and how to use it to avoid going insane on a long flight in the back of the plane.
On Making Light of the Situation
Why is it ok to lighten the mood with a joke about a serious situation (aka Coronavirus) sometimes, but not others? Dr. D investigates.…
On Cheaper Flights
Have you ever felt like that cheap flight deal you found didn’t end up being all that cheap?
This week Dr. D goes through the way that travel companies use behavioural economics against you… and how you can reclaim control of your travel budget!
On Being Addicted to the Bachelor
Anyone who’s had to defend their choice of viewing to friends and family knows that the Bachelor is more than a guilty pleasure. But why is it so addictive?
On Judging Female Leaders More Harshly
Female leaders are judged more harshly than male leaders. What’s a strong, independent Lady Boss to do?
On Lying to Your Kids
The temptation to lie to your kids to make them eat their vegetables (or stop throwing that tantrum at Costco) is real. There’s no harm in telling a few little white lies… is there?
On the Psychology of Your Harry Potter House
It’s fun to feel like we belong to something bigger than ourselves, like say… our Harry Potter House (Slytherin what!). But is this categorization of ourselves just harmless fun, or are there more sinister forces at play?
On The Bachelor and Reality TV... Are We Monsters?
Why do we watch reality TV? And should we feel guilty about it? The answer might not be what you think.
On Self-Sabotage
Don’t cut off your nose in spite of your face, people! In sports, in the workplace, in life… Are self-sabotage behaviors holding you back?