DISLIKE BUTTON AND EMPATHY ON FACEBOOK
Recently, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg announced a new feature for the largest social network, which several media outlets labeled as the “dislike” button. The news became a sensation and went viral around the world in just a few hours. However, later clarifications showed that expressing disagreement and disapproval through Facebook will not be possible anytime […]
MICROAGGRESSIONS, SENSITIVITY, AND AMERICAN OVERINDULGENCE
For several weeks, there has been a discussion across the pond about two phenomena brought to the forefront by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt. In an article titled “The Coddling of the American Mind,” they discuss microaggressions and so-called “trigger warnings.” Both of these phenomena are seen by the authors as the cause of an […]
THE CHARM OF PSYCHOPATHS – 5 WAYS TO NOT FALL FOR IT
When we think of mental disorders, we often imagine a person bound in a straitjacket wildly thrashing in a room with reinforced walls. However, this image only corresponds to a very small part of the relatively rich sphere of mental illnesses. One of the most serious disorders in this sphere are personality disorders. They are […]
How We Communicate or: Why We Actually Have Four Ears
Does it seem a bit anatomically inaccurate to you? Perhaps. However, below you will read that we actually have more of those psychological ears than a glance in the mirror reveals. We will discuss which ones they are, how to use them properly to make our communication and relationships as satisfying as possible, and you […]
WHY IT PAYS OFF TO TRAIN COMMUNICATION SKILLS OR WHAT WE WEREN’T TAUGHT IN SLOVAK LANGUAGE CLASS
Knowledge of one’s native language and communication skills or abilities are certainly essential ingredients for our functioning. Let’s first take a look at the issue as we encounter it in school desks. Theory and Practice Even when I was in school, I often wondered why we had to learn sentence analysis in Slovak language class. […]
5 GUARANTEED TIPS TO SOLVE ANY CONFLICT (PLUS A BONUS FIRST AID KIT AT THE END)
Inspired by Paul Watzlawick and his “Introduction to Unhappiness,” I have decided to share with you some advice on (not) resolving conflicts. If, despite your systematic efforts, you still struggle to end the quarrels and conflicts of everyday life without breaking dishes, bringing the other person (or at least yourself) to tears, or permanently damaging […]
Why New Year’s Resolutions don’t change your life
As the calendar is slowly approaching the last page of this year, I wondered if you already have resolutions. If you are one of those who don’t solve life improvements in this way, that’s fine. If you are looking forward to January 1st, 2017 and opening the doors of the gym, buying an apple instead […]
GETTING ANGRY IS GOOD!
Let me describe some everyday situations. It’s 7:50 AM and I need to be at work at 8:00 AM. My boss will definitely be angry if I’m late, and I’ll also get angry at him if I’m late. I’ve been stuck in traffic for half an hour, and I won’t be able to get out […]
How to talk about death and how to help a friend who has lost a loved one
“A friend’s wife has passed away, what should I say to him?” “A friend’s father has passed away, how can I help her?” Several people have asked me these and similar questions. Death is a taboo in our society. It is difficult to talk about. And even more so when its presence is directly affecting […]
HOW TO DEFEAT CONSPIRACIES
Social networks can popularize unknown products, make ordinary people celebrities, or influence election results. They are a means used for many harmless marketing activities. However, their operation also provides a very effective way to abuse them for spreading half-truths and conspiracy theories. To understand why this is the case, let’s take a closer look at […]