How Technology Affects Our Brains: Maps, Clocks, & the Web

A woman leaning on a chalkboard with drawings of a brain and various technologies depicts how technology affects our brains

Is technology reshaping our cognitive landscape? How might our digital habits be altering the way we think and process information? The evolution of technology has profoundly impacted our brains. From maps and clocks to the internet, each new tool shapes our perception and mental processes. In The Shallows, Nicholas Carr explores the concept of neuroplasticity and how our online activities are rewiring our neural pathways. Keep reading to understand how technology affects our brains and what it means for our future.

Women and Imposter Syndrome: The Origin and Solution

A woman with imposter syndrome holding a mask to her face at work

What’s the underlying problem with women’s imposter syndrome? How does imposter syndrome prevent leadership growth? Jemma Rodel says that strong leadership and skillful communication hinge on self-confidence. The problem is that self-confidence is often hard to achieve for women because of imposter syndrome. Below, we’ll define imposter syndrome, explore how it undermines self-confidence, and discuss strategies to combat it.

What to Know About the Effects of Imposter Syndrome

A woman experiencing the effects of imposter syndrome, throwing a trophy away in the trashcan at work

Do you doubt yourself a lot at work? Do you think you’re unworthy of everything you’ve accomplished? According to Jemma Roedel, many women struggle with imposter syndrome in the workplace. Some of the effects include fear of being revealed as a fraud and believing you’re not worthy of your achievements. Discover more about these effects of imposter syndrome to see if you have it.

Mingyur Rinpoche’s Brain: The Effects of Long-Term Meditation

A Tibetan yogi seen from the back meditating in the mountains illustrates the effects of long-term meditation

What does long-term meditation do to your brain? Can it really change who you are as a person? Yogi Mingyur Rinpoche’s brain scans reveal fascinating insights into the effects of long-term meditation. Scientists have found evidence of increased brain activity, improved brain health, and enhanced emotional regulation in meditation masters. Keep reading to discover how a dedicated meditation practice can lead to profound changes in your mental and emotional states.

How Charismatic Are You? Find Yourself on the Charisma Spectrum

A man resting his chin in his hand and looking upward is thinking about the question, "How charismatic are you?"

How charismatic are you? Can you tell when someone else is charismatic? Charisma is a fascinating blend of warmth and competence. It’s a quality that can be measured and improved. In her book Cues, Vanessa Van Edwards explores this concept in depth, offering insights into how we judge others and project our own charisma. Read on to understand Van Edwards’s charisma spectrum and discover where you might fall on it.

Meditation Research: Foundations, Mistakes, & Myths

A man in a white button-up shirt sitting at a desk thoughtfully looking at meditation research data on a computer screen

What are some of the issues with meditation research? Should we believe all the hype? Meditation research is a rapidly growing field, but it faces unique challenges. Scientists are working to understand how different forms of meditation affect the brain and behavior. They’re also trying to develop better ways to measure these effects. Let’s explore the foundations of meditation research, common misconceptions, and why it’s important to approach claims about meditation with a critical eye.

Habit Formation in Psychology: The Characteristics of Habits

A diagram of a human brain with arrows in a circular motion around it, showing habit formation in psychology

What are the characteristics of habits? How can you form good habits? You may not realize it, but approximately 95% of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors stem from habits. Therefore, understanding how to form positive habits is an important part of building a successful life.  Here’s our brief overview of habit formation in psychology to help you learn how to break bad habits and embrace good ones.

Why Extroverts Tend to Have More “Lucky Moments”

A woman jumping for joy in a city because she's having a lucky moment

Why do extroverts have more lucky moments than introverts? Why should you relax into luck? Because extroverts tend to put themselves in more new situations than introverts, they’re more likely to encounter “lucky” moments. Rather than being a form of magic, luck often comes from putting yourself into situations where positive outcomes are more likely to happen. Here’s a deeper look into extroverts and luck from the book The Luck Factor.

How Change Your Luck by Reframing It (The Luck Factor)

A woman in a red leather jacket holding up an empty picture frame, showing how you can reframe your luck

Is it possible to change your luck? Is there such a thing as good luck and bad luck? What can you learn from bad luck? In his book The Luck Factor, Richard Wiseman says that there’s no such thing as good or bad luck—it’s all in the way that you frame a situation. Lucky people see “bad luck” as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. Here’s how you can change your perspective on luck.