Pop-Psychology: 7 new problems of 2023

The PopPsych Phenomenon: embracing the scientific dive into Pop Psychology as an alternative to astrology and religion in popular culture. Read about 7 new trends identified by PopPsych in 2023.

Humans have long sought answers in the cosmos and ancient teachings about their positive and negative feelings and relationships. As I am writing this I realise that a new wave is surging—a wave that doesn't look to celestial bodies or cryptic texts, but looks towards the intricate workings of the human mind.

We all feel this tidal shift, marked by an insatiable curiosity to understand the labyrinth of our own thoughts and the intricate web of human relationships. I am naming this intriguing trend: the PopPsych movement.

Pop Psychology vs. Astrology

Throughout history, astrologers have cast their gaze upon constellations, while religion has provided moral bearings. Yet, amidst this age-old practice, contemporary seekers are questioning the validity of such methods. Instead, the scientific realm of psychology is emerging as the torchbearer, illuminating the alleyways of our minds.

PopPsych, a term I coined encapsulates this cultural shift. It signifies a more accessible approach to psychology. It's not about sifting through endless textbooks and baffling terminology, but about savoring a morning coffee while reading a relatable psychological insight on your tablet. It's a journey that unveils cognitive biases, emotional intelligence, and attachment dynamics through engaging anecdotes and visually captivating graphics. And of course, it is not about replacing the psychology professionals and their work. Rather, it is about going to your sessions ready and informed to tackle the work more head-on.

Science and Self-Discovery

Visualize a world where the alignment of planets no longer governs compatibility, but rather the principles of attachment theory. This is the essence of PopPsych. It's a realm where the complex art of human behavior is guided by scientific knowledge rather than celestial occurrences.

In the world of PopPsych, self-discovery is a dynamic voyage driven by empirically backed strategies and psychological instruments. Here, we're not satisfied with merely acknowledging our star signs; we hunger for an in-depth comprehension of the intricacies woven by Myers-Briggs types, the Big Five personality traits, and the nuanced interplay of introversion and extroversion.

We want to understand how and why someone is manipulating us. Women are done being cast as overly emotional during their PMS, and they study to understand the intricate play of hormones that is messing up their week. Men want to read more about the mysteries of female brains and behaviour, and women want to understand why they feel unfulfilled with their partners. Depressions are not seen as dark secrets anymore. Love is closely explained with neuroscience. Mysteries of desire are unveiled and accepted.

It is a wonderful new world of openness and educated self-discovery.

We use the tools of PopPsych to decode attachment styles, apply modes of communication, and unravel the enigma of attraction. We're learning about the art of active listening, deciphering non-verbal cues, and mastering the dance of conflict resolution.

As we tread further into the 21st century, the allure of PopPsych will become more important. This is more than just a trend—it embodies a paradigm shift in our quest for knowledge, decision-making, and self-awareness.

New PopPsych Concepts of 2023

Here are seven emerging pop psychology concepts that have gained traction on the internet and social media, and surely you will recognise at least one of them.

• Dopamine Fasting: This concept revolves around taking breaks from activities that trigger dopamine release, such as social media scrolling, to reset your brain's reward system. It's believed that practicing dopamine fasting can help reduce addiction-like behaviors and increase overall well-being.

• Digital Minimalism: As a response to the overwhelming presence of technology in our lives, digital minimalism emphasizes a deliberate and mindful approach to using digital devices and platforms. It's about finding a balance between the benefits of technology and the need for unplugging and connecting with the real world.

• Nomophobia: This term stands for "no-mobile-phone phobia," referring to the anxiety people feel when they are without their smartphones. It's an emerging concept fueled by our increasing dependence on mobile devices for communication, information, and entertainment.

• Comparative Suffering: With the rise of social media, people are often exposed to others' experiences and struggles. Comparative suffering refers to the tendency to downplay one's own challenges by comparing them to the more severe difficulties faced by others. This concept explores the impact of such comparisons on mental health.

• Parasocial Relationships: In the context of social media and online content consumption, parasocial relationships refer to the one-sided emotional connections people form with celebrities, influencers, or online personalities. These relationships can feel genuine and intimate, even though they are not reciprocated.

• Digital Identity and Online Persona: With the proliferation of social media platforms, individuals often curate online personas that may differ from their real-life identities. This concept explores how digital identity construction impacts self-esteem, authenticity, and the perception of others.

• Phantom Vibration Syndrome: This psychological phenomenon occurs when individuals perceive vibrations from their phones (such as incoming calls or notifications) that aren't actually happening. It's attributed to heightened vigilance and attachment to one's smartphone.

These brand new concepts may not have the same level of scientific rigour as established psychological theories. However, the human brain experiences evolution at a lightning speed and the speed of our studies will have to catch up. As the human experience continues we will need to update our approach to understanding the mind. PopPsych can help contribute and identify the trends in the evolving landscape of psychology in the digital age.