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Sex, Drugs, and Boredom

Why we should take entertainment more seriously than we do.

Depression
Are Mental Disorders Like Physical Diseases?

Peter G Stromberg Ph.D. on October 31, 2012

Many mental disorders are profoundly influenced by the culture in which they take shape, and this suggests that such disorders are not caused by a single underlying disease mechanism.

Many mental disorders are profoundly influenced by the culture in which they take shape, and this suggests that such disorders are not caused by a single underlying disease mechanism.

Beauty
Celebrities and Scapegoats

Peter G Stromberg Ph.D. on September 28, 2012

Our fascination with beautiful people reflects an age-old idea: they are the best representation of what we are. Strangely enough, that can make them ideal sacrificial victims.

Our fascination with beautiful people reflects an age-old idea: they are the best representation of what we are. Strangely enough, that can make them ideal sacrificial victims.

Friends
Boring Doesn't Just Mean Dull

Peter G Stromberg Ph.D. on May 30, 2012

Here’s what I usually say about boredom: In an entertainment culture, people come to expect and desire a high level of arousal. When this level of stimulation is unavailable—perhaps when a person is at work or school—they feel bored.

Here’s what I usually say about boredom: In an entertainment culture, people come to expect and desire a high level of arousal. When this level of stimulation is unavailable—perhaps when a person is at work or school—they feel bored.

Relationships
Why They Call It Madness

Peter G Stromberg Ph.D. on March 26, 2012

Through play we can engage in battle with others without real-world consequences. Or we can experience strong feelings without putting ourselves in dangerous situations. Play happens in an imaginary world, a world that doesn't count. That's true, but it's also false.

Through play we can engage in battle with others without real-world consequences. Or we can experience strong feelings without putting ourselves in dangerous situations. Play happens in an imaginary world, a world that doesn't count. That's true, but it's also false.

Relationships
Fans of Fans

Peter G Stromberg Ph.D. on February 27, 2012

I recently watched a documentary about Harry Potter fans called "We Are Wizards." I'm afraid I can't recommend the film, it's pretty incoherent. But it was also fascinating in a disturbing sort of way, because it depicted a type of behavior I've never really noticed before: fans of fans.

I recently watched a documentary about Harry Potter fans called "We Are Wizards." I'm afraid I can't recommend the film, it's pretty incoherent. But it was also fascinating in a disturbing sort of way, because it depicted a type of behavior I've never really noticed before: fans of fans.