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Perceptions shaped social behavior during the pandemic
A movie marquee with the words "1. Elbow Bumps 2. Foot Shakes 3. Just Wave!"

Perceptions shaped social behavior during the pandemic

Research from Penn psychologists found that Americans who most feared losing their connections continued interacting with others, paradoxically acting in ways that risked prolonging disease-mitigating social restrictions.

Michele W. Berger

How to get better at making every type of decision

How to get better at making every type of decision

Katy Milkman of the Wharton School spoke about strategies for decision-making, which includes focusing on a clear objective, expending less energy on small choices, making decisions in advance when possible, getting a range of opinions, being in touch with one’s emotions, making pros and cons lists, and re-framing decisions as opportunities.

Why are alcohol- and drug-related deaths rising in the U.S. and not elsewhere?
Silhouette of a person sitting against a wall on the side of the image, legs pulled up close to her chest.

Why are alcohol- and drug-related deaths rising in the U.S. and not elsewhere?

With insights from anthropology and neuroscience, Penn researchers Michael Platt and Peter Sterling find that, in comparison, 16 other wealthy nations offer communal assistance at every life stage, support that protects individuals and families long term.

Michele W. Berger

Mentor support for the first-generation college experience
two people standing outside back to back smiling at camera

Senior Rachel Swym (left) was a summer intern with alumna Leanne Huebner at the educational nonprofit Minds Matter, and they have continued their connection ever since.

Mentor support for the first-generation college experience

Three decades apart, senior Rachel Swym and alumna Leanne Huebner found a common bond in their rural backgrounds and first-generation, highly aided college experience.
In Wordle, a case for ‘pure’ play
Wordle interface with three five-letter words listed

Wordle, a web-based word game, was originally created by software engineer Josh Wordle for his partner. It now has millions of users around the world. (Image: Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via AP)

  • Q&A

    • In Wordle, a case for ‘pure’ play

    In a Q&A with Penn Today, Cait Lamberton of the Wharton School discusses some possible reasons for Wordle’s popularity.
    A novel theory on how conspiracy theories take shape
    Cover of the book "Creating conspiracy beliefs: How our thoughts are shaped" by Dolores Albarracín, Julia Albarracín, Man-pui Sally Chan, and Kathleen Hall Jamieson

    A novel theory on how conspiracy theories take shape

    In a new book, Dolores Albarracín, Kathleen Hall Jamieson, and colleagues show that two factors—the conservative media and societal fear and anxiety—have driven recent widespread conspiracies, from Pizzagate to those around COVID-19 vaccines.

    Michele W. Berger

    Mask-wearing and moral values
    Person wearing a face mask while studying in Fischer Fine Arts Library.

    Mask-wearing and moral values

    Tiffany Tieu led a study on the psychology of mask-wearing and its relationship with a person’s moral values, using Penn undergraduates as the subjects.

    Lauren Rebecca Thacker

    What does it mean to be neurodivergent?

    What does it mean to be neurodivergent?

    David Mandell of the Perelman School of Medicine spoke about the origins of the neurodiversity movement. “There are lots of people who differ in the ways that they think, respond to stimuli, or make sense of the world. We should acknowledge that these differences exist and try to make the world as comfortable as possible for everyone,” he said.