The CBMS Podcast

Can Reading Improve our Well-Being and Make Us Better Equipped for Life?

Reading for pleasure has dramatically declined over the last few decades, mostly in favor of image and video based mediums. Learn why this matters for memory, social cognition and behavior, well-being and mental health. In this episode we explore how the medium of communication shapes how we think and how we pay attention, among other critical psychological processes. In turn, these actions and processes shape our discourse and how we relate to each other. Generously supported by the APS Fund for Teaching and Public Understanding of Psychological Science.

The Psychology of Short Form Content and Why We Should Diversify Our Information Diet

Modern society is fast paced, especially our information environments. From social media to our text exchanges, we interact in short bursts and increasingly spend a disproportionate amount of time consuming short form content. Short videos, articles, summaries have come to dominate our information diets. Spoiler - it's not all good. Leaning on research and our own work, we examine the implications and consequences of surrendering to short form, and why it's a good idea once and a while to put down your device and pick up a book. Generously supported by the APS Fund for Teaching and Public Understanding of Psychological Science.

Social Media. Screen Time. Well-Being. Psychology. All in One Episode

Is social media the scourge so many people think it is? Is it just like a drug, characterized by a clear and predictable dose-response relationship? Is there a consensus among researchers regarding the effects of screen time and social media on our well-being and mental health? We explore these questions and what we can do to improve our satisfaction with life. Generously supported by the APS Fund for Teaching and Public Understanding of Psychological Science.

The Shackles of Uncertainty: What Makes us Susceptible and Resilient?

Uncertainty is a pervasive and inescapable feature of life that can cause anxiety, but also provides the experience required to build resilience. Are modern societies going too far in attempts to minimize uncertainty during childhood? Is the world more uncertain today? Is there a difference between online and offline experiences of uncertainty? We explore these questions and more. The CBMS is a Columbia University affiliated research center comprised of PhD researchers seeking to study and understand relationships between modern society and mental health and well-being. The center conducts research, develops programs and interventions, and provides educational resources to the public through its website and podcast episodes like this one. Generously supported by the APS Fund for Teaching and Public Understanding of Psychological Science.

Come Undone - Reinforcing the Glue that Ties Us Together

Social norms evolve over time, but some phenomena appear to persist generation after generation. Despite the widespread belief that morality has been declining, data does not support this assertion. However, one aspect of how we relate to each other has changed, evidenced by shifting behavior and perceptions. This capacity has been cited as critical for functioning democracies, healthy social relationships and support, and strong, interdependent relationships. This factor is trust. Trust has been declining for decades - we'll explore some reasons why and the implications for well-being and mental health. Generously supported by the APS Fund for Teaching and Public Understanding of Psychological Science.