We're urged to stay positive and keep up a cheerful disposition ... but sometimes things are just awful, aren’t they?

On All in the Mind this week we look at why we engage in toxic positivity, why it's so damaging when we do and whether something called 'tragic optimism' could be the antidote.

This episode was first broadcast in February 2022.

Toxic positivity — when happiness becomes harmful

All In The Mind is ABC RN's weekly podcast looking into the mental universe, the mind, brain and behaviour — everything from addiction to artificial intelligence.

Science

Health & Fitness

Life Sciences

The AI revolution is coming. Your mind isn't ready for it.

Cognitive Neuroscientist Joel Pearson walks us through the many ways artificial intelligence is messing — and will mess — with our psychology.

From falling in love with AI to unforgettable deep fakes, we dive into an uncertain future and what you can do to prepare for it.

If you'd like to hear more from Joel, he featured on our episode about intuition called When to trust your gut instinct, and when to ignore it.

And if you want to hear more about artificial intelligence, check out the latest season of Science Friction, Hello AI Overlords.

"Scarier than killer robots": why your mind isn't ready for AI

Researchers knew Susannah better than her own parents.

They may have even known her better than herself.

Today, how spending thirty years in a psychological study warped journalist Susannah Breslin's life.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to check out another, take a listen to Trauma, OCD and a PhD.

Being a human lab rat for 30 years: what happens next

Whether it's shaking hands or which side of the road to drive on, social norms dominate the way we behave.

But when norms change suddenly, you get chaos.

Just ask Sweden.

If you'd like to hear more from today's expert, Matt featured in an episode in 2021 called Neuromarketing — how brands target your brain. Check it out!

The unspoken rules that govern our behaviour

Have you ever looked at your pet and thought, what is going on inside your brain?

Today, we're heading to the World Science Festival Brisbane for All in the Mind live to discuss animal consciousness.

If you enjoyed this episode and are keen to listen to another, check out How our brain chemicals drive our behaviour. 

This episode was recorded live at the World Science Festival Brisbane.

Are animals conscious?

Popular culture is endlessly fascinated with cults, and they have the capacity to make ordinary people do unthinkable things.

Today - how cults reel people in, how coercive control keeps them there and what it takes to get out.

This episode was first broadcast in October 2022. 

And if you enjoyed listening, you should check out our episode The History of Brainwashing.

Toxic positivity — when happiness becomes harmful

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