Let's do some (magical) overthinking

The rise of Instagram therapists :| ͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­ Forwarded this email? [Subscribe here]() for more [Let's do some (magical) overthinking]( The rise of Instagram therapists :| May 18   [READ IN APP](   We live in a crazy world - there is a pressure to ‘know everything’, to ‘manifest’ everything we wish for, to worship our heroes, to learn how to get rich (quickly). In her new book “[The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality]( author Amanda Montell breaks down the things we tend to overthink and why they occupy our brain so much. [Upgrade to paid]( A short and quick read, the book questions the basic premise that in an age where information is more accessible than ever, why are irrational beliefs and magical thinking (hello, Instagram therapists) on the rise? What drives educated individuals to embrace conspiracy theories, pseudoscience, celebrity worshippers and unfounded superstitions? While magical thinking is an age-old habit, overthinking feels distinct to the modern era—a product of our innate superstitions clashing with information overload, mass loneliness, and a capitalistic pressure to “know” everything under the sun Magical thinking” can be broadly defined as the belief that one’s internal thoughts can affect unrelated events in the external world: Think of the conviction that one can manifest their way out of poverty, stave off cancer with positive vibes, or transform an unhealthy relationship to a glorious one with loyalty alone. In all its forms, magical thinking works in service of restoring agency amid chaos, but in [The Age of Magical Overthinking]( Montell argues that in the modern information age, our brain’s coping mechanisms have been overloaded, and our irrationality turned upside down. Big ideas from the book --------------------------------------------------------------- The Rise of Magical Thinking in the Digital Age Modern life, inundated with information and technology, has paradoxically led to an increase in irrational beliefs and superstitions. The constant bombardment of data from social media, news, and digital devices creates a sense of overwhelm. This overload can cause people to revert to magical thinking as a coping mechanism, seeking simple explanations for complex problems. The accessibility of misinformation and the echo chambers created by algorithms further exacerbate this trend, leading individuals to prioritize emotionally satisfying narratives over rational analysis. The Allure of Quick Fixes In a fast-paced world, quick fixes and instant solutions are highly appealing. This desire for immediate gratification can lead to the adoption of irrational beliefs and practices that promise quick results but lack scientific validity. Examples include fad diets, get-rich-quick schemes, and miracle cures. Promoting a long-term perspective and evidence-based approaches is essential for countering the allure of quick fixes. --------------------------------------------------------------- The Illusion of Knowledge The internet provides access to vast amounts of information, creating an illusion of knowledge. People often mistake access to information for actual understanding. This phenomenon, known as the Dunning-Kruger effect, leads individuals to overestimate their expertise on complex subjects. ... Keep reading with a 7-day free trial Subscribe to BigIdeas: startups, tech and big ideas! to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives. [Start trial]( A subscription gets you: Access to all posts (and archives) More than 45% discount on annual plan Access to new experimental features and ideas   [Like]( [Comment]( [Restack](   © 2024 Zakti Techmedia Private Limited 677, HSR Layout, Bangalore-560102 [Unsubscribe]() [Get the app]( writing]()