Psychology

A new study shows that positive attitudes toward artificial intelligence are linked to a greater risk of problematic social media use. For Thailand, where digital life is rapidly growing, the findings raise important questions for educators, parents, and policymakers about digital literacy and mental health.

Thailand is pushing forward with digital transformation in daily life and public services. Research cited by PsyPost indicates that people who view AI positively are more likely to engage in social media in ways that can become excessive or addictive. Data from Thailand shows widespread social media use and substantial daily screen time, underscoring the relevance of these results for Thai communities.

A recent study published in The Journal of Social Psychology has revealed a provocative link between national narcissism and emotional impairments, echoing global worries about rising divisiveness and prejudice. Individuals exhibiting high national narcissism—an extreme form of national pride characterized by a hunger for recognition and hypersensitivity to criticism—show diminished ability to understand both their own and others’ emotions. The research also connects these emotional deficits to increased tendencies toward dehumanization, affecting perceptions of both outsiders and fellow citizens within their own nation (PsyPost).

A recent study has revealed a compelling link between positive attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI) and a greater susceptibility to problematic social media use, raising important questions for Thai society as digital technologies increasingly permeate daily life. This new research could reshape how educators, parents, and policymakers approach digital literacy and mental health in Thailand, especially as the nation rapidly adopts AI-driven platforms and social networks.

As Thailand continues to embrace digital transformation, both in private life and public policy, the question of how technology shapes human behavior is becoming more pressing. According to the study reported in PsyPost, researchers found that individuals with a more favorable view of AI technologies are more likely to develop patterns of social media use that may border on problematic or even addictive. This finding holds significance for a country like Thailand, noted for its high exposure to social media—recent surveys indicate that over 52 million Thais use social platforms, with many spending upwards of three hours per day online (DataReportal Thailand Report).

Meditation, long celebrated as a path to tranquility, stress relief, and self-understanding, is now central to millions of lives globally and increasingly recommended by clinicians for anxiety and depression. Yet, recent research from Harvard Medical School’s Meditation Research Program uncovers a more complicated reality: for a significant number of practitioners, meditation can generate unsettling or even distressing experiences, sparking crucial new conversations in the mental health and wellness fields (Harvard Gazette).

A fresh wave of psychological research is offering valuable insights into why high-profile figures such as former US president Donald Trump—and other leaders with pronounced narcissistic traits—react so defensively, or even aggressively, when confronted with evidence of their own mistakes. Drawing on interviews, recent peer-reviewed studies, and organizational psychology, experts say these reactions are not just personality quirks, but reflect deeper dynamics in workplaces and governments worldwide—raising profound questions about power, accountability, and the future of leadership, including in Thailand’s evolving corporate, political, and academic environments.

A new wave of psychological research suggests that, contrary to long-held beliefs about the dangers of anger, engaging with feelings of rage—specifically in the form of revenge fantasies—can play a pivotal role in the emotional processing and recovery of trauma survivors. According to a recent article by a leading trauma therapist published in Psychology Today, such fantasies may help restore feelings of empowerment and catalyse deeper healing, provided they are approached safely and under professional guidance (psychologytoday.com).

Recent psychology insights suggest that, when guided by professionals, rage and revenge fantasies can aid emotional processing for trauma survivors. A trauma therapist notes that such fantasies may restore a sense of empowerment and support healing, rather than being merely destructive.

Anger is often framed as something to suppress. Yet the discussed case describes a survivor who endured a mass shooting and acknowledged intense revenge fantasies in therapy. Rather than judging these feelings, the therapist guided her to explore them in a confidential, clinical setting. The goal was to understand what the fantasies signified about safety and personal agency.

A new look at attraction suggests that women notice three facial features first when judging a man’s appearance: the lips, jawline, and cheekbones. Decades of social psychology research underpin this finding, which has been covered in modern media that translate science for general audiences.

For Thai readers, these findings offer a lens on how beauty ideas travel across cultures. Thai notions of attractiveness traditionally emphasize facial harmony and clear skin, while contemporary trends often celebrate sharp jawlines and defined cheekbones in public figures and everyday style icons. The research connects global science with local conversations about what is valued in appearance and impression management.

In a fascinating turn for relationship sciences, new research has shed light on the specific facial features women notice first when evaluating a man’s attractiveness. Contrary to the prevailing idea that broad general impressions or stereotypically “obvious” features dominate initial attraction, evidence now points overwhelmingly to three key facial characteristics: the lips, jawline, and cheekbones. This revelation comes from a 2009 study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology and has been widely discussed in contemporary media, including recent analysis by YourTango and ScienceDaily (YourTango; ScienceDaily).

A new psychological study suggests that the way children are parented—especially when that parenting is cold, abusive, or overly controlling—can have lasting effects on their adult lives, with certain personality traits serving as the connecting thread. Published in Psychological Reports, the research sheds light on why negative parenting is tied to later emotional, social, and occupational difficulties, and points to the key role of personality traits such as conscientiousness in explaining this link (PsyPost).

A new analysis released on July 6, 2025, from a respected behavioral expert highlights that humans are born with core dispositions—what the author calls “basic humanity.” As we grow, we navigate these primal instincts and often contradict them. The study explores how inner drives shape well-being and social interaction, with clear relevance for Thai families, schools, and communities.

Thai culture has long valued harmony, interdependence, and emotional restraint. At the same time, modernization pushes toward individual autonomy. The findings help explain Thai family dynamics, classroom relationships, and workplace culture, tying into current discussions on mental health in Thailand and beyond. Data from local health and education authorities show growing interest in how innate drives influence daily life and social well‑being.

A recent psychology study shows that parenting styles—especially cold, abusive, or overly controlling approaches—can leave lasting effects into adulthood. The research links early family environments to later emotional, social, and work-related challenges through traits like conscientiousness.

For Thai families and policymakers, these findings matter. Traditional parental authority and family cohesion remain influential in Thai culture. Understanding how early experiences shape skills such as adaptability, teamwork, and emotional regulation can guide supportive programs for youth nationwide.

A thought-provoking new report published on July 6, 2025, by a leading behavioral expert in Psychology Today reveals that we are all born with certain innate dispositions—what the author calls “basic humanity”—and, as we grow, we learn to navigate or sometimes contradict these primal instincts. The research calls attention to the fundamental and often conflicting drives that shape us as humans and offers essential insights into how these inner tensions influence personal well-being and social behavior.

A new dating trend dubbed “cookie jarring” is drawing strong reactions from both relationship experts and young people experiencing the practice firsthand, with many labeling it “disgusting” and “gross.” This phenomenon, which involves dating multiple people at once while keeping some as backup options, is reportedly on the rise among younger generations navigating the complexities of modern romance.

In recent years, the dynamics of dating have shifted as digital technology and social media make it easier than ever to connect with potential partners. “Cookie jarring” describes a scenario where an individual, uncertain about their primary relationship, keeps a secondary person metaphorically “in the cookie jar”—available as an emotional or romantic backup should their main interest fail to pan out. According to leading relationship experts cited in a New York Post report, this trend is creating emotional turmoil and confusion for those left in the backup role, eroding trust and self-esteem for those caught in its snare.

A growing number of child psychologists are urging Thai schools to expand graduation honors beyond academic excellence. As Thailand aims to boost learning outcomes and student wellbeing, experts say current traditions may overlook important achievements and contribute to student stress.

Globally and in Thailand, end-of-year awards often spotlight grades. However, many specialists warn this narrow focus can dampen motivation for the majority who work hard but may not be top of the class. In discussions with major Thai education networks, experts note that recognizing improvements, leadership, cooperation, and community service could nurture a healthier, more inclusive school culture.

A new study has uncovered a provocative link between “dark” personality traits and the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) among university art students, sparking debate about academic integrity and the psychological pressures facing creative students in the digital age. The research, conducted among over 500 art students at leading universities in Sichuan, China, found that those with higher levels of narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and materialism are significantly more likely to engage in both AI-assisted academic misconduct and behaviors such as plagiarism and procrastination. These patterns were also closely associated with heightened academic anxiety and frustration, suggesting a troubling cycle that may be intensified as AI technology becomes more accessible.

In a recent analysis published by Forbes, a psychologist has shed new light on the two dramatic extremes in the spectrum of romantic relationships—intensely obsessive love, known as love mania, and a debilitating fear of love itself, described as philophobia. These findings are shaping contemporary understanding of how individuals relate to intimacy, with wide-ranging implications for mental health professionals and everyday people alike (Forbes.com).

For Thai readers, where cultural ideals often emphasise harmonious relationships and filial piety, this research is a timely reminder that the psychological underpinnings of love can be as complex as they are universal. In a society that values family cohesion and long-term commitment, understanding the extremes of emotional attachment—and detachment—may offer important insights for navigating everything from romantic partnerships to friendship and kinship.

A new psychological study has found that feelings of loneliness lead to a significant rise in television viewing among older women, but not among their male counterparts — a finding that may help clarify gender differences in coping mechanisms during aging. The insight, most recently highlighted and discussed by PsyPost, resonates particularly as Thailand faces the challenges of a rapidly aging population and shifting family structures PsyPost Report.

As Thai society transitions to an “aging society”, with the proportion of people aged 60 and above set to comprise 30% of the population by 2035 according to the National Statistical Office of Thailand, understanding the differing ways in which older adults manage loneliness is crucial. The latest research puts a spotlight on the unique vulnerabilities experienced by older women, who are more likely to live alone due to greater life expectancies and often face reduced social support, especially in urban environments where extended family living arrangements are declining National Statistical Office and Bangkok Post coverage.

A large study of more than 3,000 young people in Hong Kong reveals a notable link between skipping breakfast and higher depressive symptoms. The researchers tracked daily routines among youths aged 15 to 24 and found that breakfast skippers reported greater impulsivity and more pronounced depressive symptoms, while anxiety showed a weaker association.

Nutrition and mental health experts have long emphasized the value of a morning meal. This study is among the largest to connect breakfast habits with mental health indicators in Asian youths. For Thai readers, where breakfast stretches from rice porridge and noodle soups to fried snacks, the findings illuminate how traditional eating patterns interact with emotional well-being—an issue gaining urgency as busy lifestyles spread across Thailand.

A new study links “dark” personality traits with higher use of generative AI among art students, raising questions about academic integrity in creative fields. Researchers surveyed over 500 art students across six universities in Sichuan, China, finding that narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and materialism correlate with AI-assisted misconduct such as plagiarism and procrastination. The results suggest anxiety and frustration push students toward AI as a coping tool, especially as access to AI grows.

Every graduation season, schools across the world celebrate student achievement with a flurry of awards—most of which continue to focus narrowly on academic excellence. But a tide of new research and calls from child psychology experts is putting pressure on education systems to expand their definition of success, warning that the traditional model may be doing students more harm than good (CTV News, CP24). As Thailand seeks to boost learning outcomes and student wellbeing, these insights offer timely lessons for Thai educators, policymakers, and parents.

A new analysis examines two dramatic ends of romantic attachment: obsessive love, or mania, and philophobia, a deep fear of intimacy. The discussion, highlighted in Forbes, suggests these extremes shape how people experience closeness and how professionals support healthier connections.

For Thai readers, where family cohesion and filial duties are highly valued, the study offers timely insight into how universal the psychology of love can be. In a culture that prizes long-term commitments and respectful partnerships, understanding both intense attachment and avoidance helps navigate romance, friendships, and family ties with greater empathy and balance.

A recent study has found a notable association between skipping breakfast and elevated depressive symptoms among young people—a relationship that sheds new light on how daily routines may influence mental health. The research, conducted with over 3,000 Hong Kong youths and published in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry, points to subtle yet measurable links between breakfast habits, impulsivity, and mental wellbeing, especially among those aged 15 to 24 (psypost.org).

Dieticians and mental health experts have long emphasized the importance of breakfast, but this study is one of the largest to specifically connect meal-skipping with psychological symptoms in Asian youth. For Thai readers, whose breakfast culture ranges from modest rice porridge to noodle soups and fried treats, these findings highlight the intersection between traditional eating habits and mental health—a subject growing in relevance as lifestyles become busier across Thailand.

Dating culture is evolving quickly, and a troubling trend called cookie jarring has sparked strong reactions among experts and young people. Many describe the behavior as distasteful and harmful to emotional well-being. Cookie jarring involves dating multiple people at once while keeping others as backups, undermining trust and self-esteem.

Digital dating makes connection easier, but cookie jarring uses a secondary option while a primary relationship might falter. Research and commentary note that this can create confusion and emotional turmoil for those kept in reserve. The practice contributes to a sense of instability in contemporary romance, especially among younger dating-app users.