Social Psychology

We naturally put our guard up against known liars, but new psychology research reveals we are highly vulnerable to "bullshitters." A recent study shows that repeated, truth-indifferent claims easily trick the human brain into believing false information.

When people spend time together, their heart rates naturally sync up. A new study tracking students on a trip to New York City found that physical closeness, social familiarity, and even background noise influence how deeply our bodies connect.

As countries become wealthier, the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) graduation tends to grow larger. This finding was published in Sex Roles.

When men feel jealous, they may become more supportive of traditional norms requiring women to dress modestly and maintain sexual purity. A new study suggests this "feminine honor" ideology may be an evolutionary strategy for guarding a mate.

While early abuse is a known risk factor for psychopathy, the psychological pathways connecting the two remain murky. New research suggests that an avoidant attachment style acts as a bridge, linking traumatic childhoods to cold, antisocial behaviors in adulthood.

Does doubting election results make people withdraw from politics? According to new research, it does the exact opposite for conservative voters, motivating them to attend rallies and donate to campaigns.

A new study of Belgian elections reveals that while compulsory voting drastically increases turnout, it does not automatically make citizens more interested in politics, knowledgeable about government, or supportive of democracy.

A new study explores the link between dark personality traits and problematic use of generative AI. Researchers found that narcissistic individuals are more likely to develop an unhealthy dependence on AI, driven by highly individualistic values and competitive mindsets.

A new study explores the evolutionary roots of friendship, suggesting we choose same-sex friends based on traits that would have made them valuable cooperative partners in ancestral environments—not just how useful they are to our current goals.

Managing smartphone use in schools consumes over three full-time staff salaries a year, according to a new economic analysis. While restrictive policies are slightly cheaper to enforce, they offer no measurable boost to students' mental health.

Political beliefs now dictate more than just voting habits. Recent research reveals that our partisan identities actively shape how we interpret smiles, manage our moral boundaries, and even decide how many children to have.

An international survey reveals that spending more time on social media and dating apps is tied to lower body satisfaction. The study highlights how these platforms are linked to a higher drive for muscularity, particularly in men.

When Donald Trump unexpectedly praised face masks in 2020, his supporters began wearing them more frequently without actually believing they prevented disease. This unusual behavioral split reveals how trusted leaders can shape public habits during acute health crises.

Instagram posts tagged with #SexPositivity often promote objectification, narrow beauty standards, and commercial branding more than sexual empowerment, according to research published in Sex Roles.

Education is replacing race as the primary ideological divider in American politics, a new study finds. Less-educated Americans of all races are moving toward conservatism, while college graduates are becoming more liberal.