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Overthinking TV

Thinking about thinking on TV

Media
Should TV Accurately Reflect Real Life?

Alan Jern Ph.D. on December 2, 2023

A new report on death on TV suggests that unrepresentative depictions of death may give people unrealistic expectations about the dying process. But does TV need to be realistic?

A new report on death on TV suggests that unrepresentative depictions of death may give people unrealistic expectations about the dying process. But does TV need to be realistic?

Media
On NBC's "The Irrational," Psychology Solves Crimes

Alan Jern Ph.D. on September 18, 2023

The show does a solid job presenting classic psychological concepts clearly and accurately, despite its ties to a psychologist under scrutiny.

The show does a solid job presenting classic psychological concepts clearly and accurately, despite its ties to a psychologist under scrutiny.

Media
So Long to a Show That Celebrated Human Weirdness

Alan Jern Ph.D. on September 5, 2023

"How To with John Wilson" recently concluded its fantastic three-season run. Its overarching message? We're surrounded by weirdness every day.

"How To with John Wilson" recently concluded its fantastic three-season run. Its overarching message? We're surrounded by weirdness every day.

Forgiveness
Is Forgiveness as Easy as ‘Ted Lasso’ Made It Seem?

Alan Jern Ph.D. on June 3, 2023

In the latest season, a character was forgiven after a major betrayal. Although emotionally satisfying, research on forgiveness suggests it wasn't very realistic.

In the latest season, a character was forgiven after a major betrayal. Although emotionally satisfying, research on forgiveness suggests it wasn't very realistic.

Persuasion
People Are More Gullible Than We Expect

Alan Jern Ph.D. on April 27, 2023

We frequently rely on others for information about how to act, which is nicely illustrated in the wild and weird new series "Jury Duty."

We frequently rely on others for information about how to act, which is nicely illustrated in the wild and weird new series "Jury Duty."

Persuasion
The Power of Low Expectations

Alan Jern Ph.D. on January 22, 2023

Expectations can affect your experience. But research suggests that being pleasantly surprised (due to low expectations) is especially powerful.

Expectations can affect your experience. But research suggests that being pleasantly surprised (due to low expectations) is especially powerful.

Forgiveness
Could You Be Tricked Into Committing Abusive Acts?

Alan Jern Ph.D. on December 26, 2022

The Netflix docuseries "Don't Pick Up the Phone" is about a man who tricked people into abusing others. Despite intuitions, many of us are vulnerable to this kind of hoax.

The Netflix docuseries "Don't Pick Up the Phone" is about a man who tricked people into abusing others. Despite intuitions, many of us are vulnerable to this kind of hoax.

Bipolar Disorder
Can Serial Killers Be Cured?

Alan Jern Ph.D. on October 26, 2022

The Hulu series, "The Patient," features a serial killer seeking therapy to stop his killing. Research suggests his efforts may not be totally in vain.

The Hulu series, "The Patient," features a serial killer seeking therapy to stop his killing. Research suggests his efforts may not be totally in vain.

Psychology
“The Rehearsal” Is a Brilliant Look at Behavior Manipulation

Alan Jern Ph.D. on July 13, 2022

A new HBO show asks, "What if you trained for everyday events like runners train for marathons?" The result is amazing and has surprising implications for the field of psychology.

A new HBO show asks, "What if you trained for everyday events like runners train for marathons?" The result is amazing and has surprising implications for the field of psychology.

Autism
Two Shows Portray Autistic Relationships With Sensitivity

Alan Jern Ph.D. on April 4, 2022

Two recent shows, "Love on the Spectrum" and "As We See It," help to dispel the stereotype that autistic people are less interested in social contact or relationships.

Two recent shows, "Love on the Spectrum" and "As We See It," help to dispel the stereotype that autistic people are less interested in social contact or relationships.

Happiness
How Your Expectations Affect Your Enjoyment

Alan Jern Ph.D. on March 23, 2022

Why do some people love a show and others hate it? It may partly be due to taste, but often it may be due to differing expectations.

Why do some people love a show and others hate it? It may partly be due to taste, but often it may be due to differing expectations.

Bias
TV Ads Probably Won't Change Your Mind

Alan Jern Ph.D. on January 14, 2022

A massive study finds that ads designed to change your mind might be effective, but those effects are very small and extremely short-lived.

A massive study finds that ads designed to change your mind might be effective, but those effects are very small and extremely short-lived.