What do autistics like Jason Dias and gorgeous transgender girls like this one have in common? It is, he writes, all about passing ...
Author - Jason Dias
You Know Those Tyrants Conservatives Kept Warning Us About? They’re Here …
The real tyrants are officially among us, says Jason Dias. Here's who they are, how they got here and why it really, really ought to matter to you ...
Jason Dias: Why I Cry for Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman is a superhero movie full of the plot holes and inverisimilitudes of the genre. Here's why it brought our Jason Dias to tears.
Mr. Rogers Was Wrong: Don’t Look for the Helpers. Man Up and Be One
Mr. Rogers advised generations of kids to "look for the helpers" when bad things happened. But you're no kid. It's time to be one. Why? Because, says...
Too Creative To Live? Chris Cornell, Suicide and the Myth of the Suffering Artist
From Ernest Hemingway to Chris Cornell, artists, depression and suicide seem linked. But are they? Psychologist Jason Dias says no. Here's why ...
Calling Donald Trump A Bully Didn’t Work, And It Won’t Work with Your Kid’s Bully, Either
Call a bully any name you want. It'll only amp up his status. But if you want to know how to stop a bully, psychologist Jason Dias's got a plan for...
Jason Dias: If You Think All You’re Doing Is Wasting Time, Read This
Checking email, going to meetings, hanging out. Are you really just wasting time? Here's what existential psychologist Jason Dias has to say on the...
The Belko Experiment: Why Your Principles Are Not Worth Dying For
The Belko Experiment demonstrates that your principles aren't worth dying for. They might be worth living for, for a while anyway. Our existentialist...
Jason Dias: On Honeybees, Satanists and Climate Change Deniers
Want to guess what wagging honeybees, striking satanists and climate deniers have in common? BY JASON DIAS
Jason Dias: Can I Teach My Kids American Values in a Country Without Any?
How do you teach values to your child in a country without any? Here's existential psychologist Jason Dias ...
A Cure for Wellness: Where Venture Capital Meets Vampires [review]
Dripping with images of incest, greed, money and vampirism, A Cure for Wellness is a gorgeous, surreal work. But it's lacking just one thing ...
Alternative Facts: How To Protect Yourself from Doublespeak, Cognitive Dissonance
You need to protect yourself. You need to guard against alternative facts, doublespeak and cognitive dissonance. Here's one tool that will help ...
Jason Dias: Why Does Donald Trump Lie?
If you are having trouble getting your head around an American leader whose people want you to distinguish between facts and "alternative facts,"...
Donald J. Trump Is Still President, So Why Protest? Why Bother?
Why protest? It's a good question, but it isn't exactly the right one, says existential psychologist Jason Dias. Commentary.
Gaslighting: Liberals Do It, Too. There’s Just One Difference
You often hear complaints about conservatives gaslighting the rest of us, but does it go both ways? Yes, says existential psychologist Jason Dias...
Where Does Inspiration Come From? The Girl with Ghost Eyes [review]
A lot of people want to know how Matthew Boroson came up with "The Girl with Ghost Eyes," Here's the non-glamorous answer ...
Review: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Sets Feminism Back Light Years
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story has a good enough plot and great effects. But this film makes it apparent that Disney just wants to turn StarWars into...
Should We Blame Liberals for Trump-Loving Authoritarianism? Not So Fast
It's the meme of the moment: But really, should we blame liberals for Trump and the authoritarianism he represents? Maybe, says Jason Dias, this is...
Jason Dias: Pain, Suffering and A Second Tattoo
The first tattoo was no big deal. But here's what happened to Jason Dias when he got his second tattoo ...
Jason Dias: On Dreaming, Falling and Dying
Will it hurt? Existential psychologist Jason Dias investigates.
Paramedia: A Psychologist Explains Why People Believe Fake News
Before you ask how millions of Americans could fall en masse for such editorial garbage, look in the mirror. Psychologist Jason Dias explains.
Jason Dias: On Existentialism, Wormholes and How To Survive the Election
Watch this clip from the sci-fi movie "Contact." If you're wondering how to survive the election, it's got a lesson for you. Existential psychologist...
Mourning the Election? It’s Okay. Life Isn’t Always About Winning
Mourning the election? That's fine, says existential psychologist Jason Dias. Sometimes we lose, and the lessons there can inform everything.
Stop Blaming Third Party Voters for Trump’s Win. Blame This Instead …
Blaming third party voters for Trump's electoral win - or his loss of popular vote loss - makes no sense. We have a much guiltier suspect for you...
Welcome to the Revolution: It’s Arab Spring, American-Style
It's the question on so many American lips right now: Why did people vote for Trump? It all has to do with Arab Spring, says Jason Dias. Here's why.
Why Did So Many People Vote for Trump? Well, There’s This …
Why did so many people vote for Trump? If you're freaking out about it, psychologist Jason Dias offers this somewhat comforting explanation ..
Paramedia: How Did Donald Trump Win Again? [part 3]
How did Donald Trump win? In part three of our series on paramedia and the fake news it pedals, Jason Dias explains.
Jason Dias: On Gallagher, Values and Trump Supporters
Republicans bought a little lie, says Jason Dias. And now they're screwed, stuck with an indefensible populist who contradicts their every stated...
Dear Trump Supporters and Hillary Fans: You Are Both Guilty of This
Donald Trump supporters and Hillary Clinton fans make the same logic error when defending their candidate. Jason Dias explains.
On Atlas, Existentialism and How To Make The Most Important Choice of Your Life
Forget the election.There is only choice that truly matters, says existential psychologist Jason Dias. You can suffer for nothing, or you can suffer...
Jason Dias: This Isn’t The America I Grew Up In
"This isn't the America I grew up in," people say. Here's what psychologist Jason Dias says they are actually missing about the good old days.
Jason Dias: Why Dexter Is An Existential Hero
There's a case to be made that Dexter is an existential hero, says existential psychologist Jason Dias. And it's one we all can learn from.
On Nationalism vs Patriotism and The Politics of the Absurd
You can't just blame the short-fingered vulgarian, says Jason Dias. His supporters simply don't know the difference of nationalism vs patriotism ...
On Being Ordinary
Sometimes we work so hard pretending that we are not anxious that we give the impression anxiety isn’t normal, says existential psychologist Jason...
On Kaepernick, Patriotism and Sitting Out The National Anthem
Patriotism can be really great, says Jason Dias. But what good is a feeling of love and pride that does not lead to some action of love and pride?
Jason Dias: Why Sunday Night?
Why are your favorite TV shows stressing you out every Sunday night? Jason Dias has a theory ...
Jason Dias: You’re Trapped, But At Least You Can Go Out To Eat
We are all like mice caught in no-kill traps. We're kept around in our tiny little boxes, says existential psychologist Jason Dias. But at least we...
Jason Dias: Why Rioters Destroy Their Own Neighborhoods
Why would rioters destroy their own neighborhoods? If that's your question, you are missing something key about humanity in general, says existential...
Jason Dias: Here’s Who Should Fill That Vacant Supreme Court Seat. Literally.
Who should fill the vacant Supreme Court seat that the late Antonin Scalia leaves? U.S. President Barack Obama should fill it -- with himself. Here's...
Yeah, I’m Autistic. And I Don’t Care What You Think of My Hat
Jason Dias is autistic, which might be why he hates making small talk so much. So why is everyone constantly trying to engage him? He has some...
Jason Dias: Nature vs Nurture vs Neither, Really
Is the nature vs. nurture question worth debating? Not really, says existential psychologist Jason Dias. Here's why.
Jason Dias: Chicago, Chicago!
What ails Chicago ails you, says Jason Dias. Here's why.
Jason Dias: Maybe The Luddites Had A Point?
Jason Dias' new printer sucks. And that's the least of his problems. Ever think that maybe, just maybe, the Luddites had a point? Commentary.
Jason Dias: Hey, I’m A Vaccinated Autistic and I Came Out Okay
Don't trust the people who make vaccines? Well, that's natural, says Jason Dias. Here's what you can trust ...
Jason Dias: Welcome To Your Powerball Nightmare. And Good Luck.
Go ahead, spend two bucks on that Powerball fantasy. Just know what you're getting into. Here's existential psychologist Jason Dias on the Tao of...
On Cliven Bundy Part II: Silly, Yes, but Scary, Too …
Are you ready for more Cliven Bundy? Neither is Jason Dias, who warns that the silly bird sanctuary takeover could well take a bloody turn for the...
Jason Dias: Is Football Really All That Important? [review]
Sports journalist Danny Dressman has written a bang-up biography of football great Eddie Robinson. Jason Dias reviews.
On The Albert Einstein IQ Issue: What If He Wasn’t All That Smart?
You've heard the Albert Einstein IQ debate. But what if Einstein wasn't all that smart? Psychologist Jason Dias digs in.
Jason Dias: About Mizzou …
Here's Jason Dias on Mizzou, and what everyone missed about those school protests. [commentary]
Courtney Farrell’s Bait: Another Post-Apocalypse Beckons [book review]
In her new novel Bait, Courtney Farrell outlines a human-created disaster of global proportions. Existential psychologist Jason Dias reviews.
Jason Dias: You Think Ted Cruz Just Makes That Stuff Up?
When Cruz and other politicians make untruthful claims, they aren't making them up on the spot. These are orchestrated lies, says Jason Dias. Lies...
Jason Dias: Colorado Springs Isn’t Colorado Springs Anymore
Jason Dias calls Colorado Springs home, noting that it also is nicknamed the "evangelical capital of the world." So why is it getting shot up so much...
Jason Dias: And You Think This Is Democracy?
In a plutocracy, the wishes of the wealthy disproportionately influence governmental decisions. Can the U.S. be a plutocracy and a democracy at the...
Jason Dias: I’ve Got A Bowl of 10,000 M&Ms …
If you've got a bowl of 10,000 M&Ms and 10 are poisioned, would you dip in? So goes the argument against Syrian refugees, but Jason Dias says it...
Jason Dias: On Dating — For Bigots
What's wrong with special interest dating sites? Jason Dias digs in.
Jason Dias: How Will You Die?
The Paris terrorist attack has a lot of us wondering how we will die. Existential psychologist/mathematician Jason Dias has the answer, and it's...
Don’t Ask Me, I’m Only A Journalist
When did headlines get all fake and clickbait-ish? Jason Dias is a journalist, and like all journalists these days, he's willing to give you his...
ISIS Paris Shootings: But Why Paris?
ISIS has now taken responsibility for the Paris shooting. But why'd it attack Paris in the first place? Existentialist Jason Dias looks for answers...
Jason Dias: How Psychotherapy Resembles “Ghostbusters”
Psychotherapy has everything to do with the movie "Ghostbusters." Starting with those hungry ghosts. Existential psychotherapist Jason Dias explains ...
On Malcolm X And Martin Luther King Jr: Is Forgiveness Really Possible?
Is forgiveness ever really possible? Existential psychologist Jason Dias takes a long look at the lives and writings of Martin Luther King, Jr. and...
How To Write Diversity into Your Novels, Screenplays
When you can’t make your characters good or evil according to their individual needs or the needs of the story, you risk stereotyping. Here's how to...
If Brian Williams Misremembered, Then So Did Ben Carson!
Liberals attack Ben Carson because they think he might actually have a shot at the presidency. Brian Williams misremembered. So Carson could've, too...
Jason Dias: On Carl Whitaker And The Ferguson Effect
Recording video of cops doing their jobs should make them more effective, not less so, says existentialist Jason Dias. He calls to mind Carl Whitaker...
Jason Dias: On The Spirituality of Statistics. Yes, Statistics.
Yes, good is arbitrary and our measurements are imperfect. But what else are you going to stand on? How else to evaluate principles?
Jason Dias: On The Danger of Telling The Truth
There are dangers to telling the truth, says existentialist Jason Dias. Are you man or woman enough to face them?
Jason Dias: On Open Carry And Murder [commentary]
When one person starts shooting in public, he is going to become the active shooter who requires a response. Here's Jason Dias on open carry -- and...
On Sex And Death: Is There A Connection?
Horror films have long linked sex and death. "It Follows" follows a long tradition. But what is up with that? Existentialist Jason Dias investigates.
Jason Dias: How To Avoid Being Either A Sophist or An Apologetic
It's too easy to be a sophist or an apologetic, even if you're not sure what that means. Here's Jason Dias on the difference and how to notice it ...
Jason Dias: Is Your Food Too Cheap?
Is food too cheap -- so cheap that we can't afford it anymore. So asks Jason Dias, who reminds us to watch "Soylent Green" to the very, very end.
Exploitation? Why Will Wheaton Said No To HuffPo
We say yes to exploitation because we have no other options. We say no when we do. Will Wheaton said no to an unpaid "opportunity" at The Huffington...
Sinking Into Bloody Ground: Crimson Peak [review]
Ghosts are real, we learn in "Crimson Peak." Here's Jason Dias with his spoiler-packed Crimson Peak review. Be afraid. Very afraid.
Jason Dias: Here’s The Real Reason Behind All These Shootings
Guns? Drugs? Insanity? Maybe. But there's something deeper at the core of all these shootings, says Jason Dias. Here's what it is.
What Is Libertarianism? Ask An Embarrassed Republican, Then Read This.
What Is libertarianism? If that's your question, existential political analyst Jason Dias has answers.
Jason Dias: How To Help Someone Who Just Wants to End It All
You can’t drag her back up because, whether you know it or not, you’re facing down the same darkness. Here's existential psychologist Jason Dias on...
Why The Fembots in “Ex Machina” Must Seduce to Survive
A Wired reviewer has a problem with the sexualization of the fembots in "Ex Machina." But it's a necessary sexualization. Here's why.
Alice’s Adventures in Underland: The Queen of Stilled Hearts [review]
Alice’s Adventures in Underland: The Queen of Stilled Hearts, is a fascinating bit of line-blurring fiction, combining horror, historical and...
Stop Whining. If You Don’t Like Donald Trump, Do These Five Things Right Now
If you don't support Donald Trump for president, stop whining. Here are five things you can do right now to slow the candidate's juggernaut, says...
Jason Dias: Why The Rules of Grief Apply to Success
Don't let fear stop you from succeeding at the goals that matter most to you. The rules of grief apply to success, says Jason DIas. Here's how.
Jason Dias: Walmart America vs Yachting America Revealed
There's Walmart America and there's the America who buys yachts. You can only belong to one of them, says Jason Dias. Here's why.
If Irvin Yalom Is A Gateway Drug, Then Brent Potter Is Pink Peruvian Flake [review]
If Irvin Yalom's work doesn't get you high anymore, it's time you check out Brent Potter's Elements of Reparation. You're ready for it.
For Once, A Choice for Small Business: The Democratic Lineup
How will each Democratic candidate treat small business? Jason Dias has his theories, but bottom line, at least there's a choice this time. Here's...
Jason Dias: On The Tao of Sand Painting. Seriously
This essay is about sand painting, really. Here's Jason Dias on the existential meaning of this delicate, emphemeral art.
Jason Dias: On The Value of Whining
Complaining is more than blaming your problems on society. It’s about challenging the values of society, says Jason Dias. Here are the warped...
The New Enlightenment: We Are All Getting Smarter. Really.
IQ scores are rising significantly with every generation. We're getting smarter, data shows. If we can survive, we're heading toward a new...
Don’t Wish Away Mass Shootings: On Grits, Guns And God
Stop just wishing for the mass shootings to end. It's time you do something, anything. Don't pray about it. Here's what you ought to do, says Jason...
Well, Duh: Of Course, Exxon Knew About Climate Change
So Exxon knew about climate change. Since the late 1970s. What else is new? A short history of corporate lobbying, for death and profit.
Esteban And Kim Davis: A Tale of Fake Endorsements
Kim Davis now says she has an "endorsement" from Pope Francis. The bogus Flamenco guitarist Esteban says he's got one from Flamenco guitar legend...
No Exceptions: An Argument In Support of US Military Women in Combat
Thursday's the deadline for military branches to present exemptions to a new rule that would open up all military jobs to women. Jason Dias argues...
Jason Dias: I Pledge Allegiance To That Damned Flag …
Jason Dias will pledge allegiance to that damned flag, he says, but he doesn't have to like it. Commentary.
Is The Amazon Kindle Ruining America?
Thanks to the Amazon Kindle and other e-readers, books aren't worth much anymore. The only risk authors face in writing them, says Jason Dias, is...
Novelist Jason Dias’ Latest Fantasy Is Out: For Love of Their Children [excerpt]
Novelist Jason Dias' newest work of fantasy is finally out. For Love of Their Children is an epic novel that's set in an analog of ancient Egypt...
Don’t Blame Martin Shkreli. We Made Him This Way.
Don't blame Martin Shkreli. That's just fake outrage you're feeling anyway. The real problem is something far more dastardly -- and even more...
Let’s Hear It for Divine Non-intervention! Your Free Will Depends on It
Your free will depends on Divine non-intervention. Here's why.
Jason Dias: This Is What A Fundamental Attribution Error Looks Like
The fundamental attribution error pops up everywhere. Jason Dias, existentialist and therapist, discusses why a society is the sum of their...
American Ninja Warrior: What’s Wrong with This Picture?
No one won the American Ninja Warrior title for years. Now someone has, and still we keep watching, transfixed by a setup that almost exactly mirrors...
Do You Feel Helpless? On Freedom, Responsibility And Death
You have to encounter your helplessness to live a real life. You can’t protect your kids. Buying net-free tuna won’t save dolphins. You’re going to...
Kim Davis, Please: Freedom of Religion Requires Freedom from Religion
If you find yourself sympathizing with Kim Davis, ask yourself if you really want to live in a theocracy. You want the freedom to practice your own...
Jason Dias: Am I Insane? Are You?
Jason Dias asks the question, and provides the answers. Yes, and no. It's good and bad. It's universal. Sanity explored.
Structural Violence: Straight Outta Compton review
If you tend to side with the cops in all those stories you see about police abuse, you won't like Straight Outta Compton -- or this Straight Outta...
Jason Dias: Sure, I Love America, But That Selfish Clerk in Kentucky Does Zero for Me
Jason Dias, a Brit, says students often asks him if he loves America. He says he does, but he sure doesn't always like it -- especially that selfish...
Dear Climate Change Deniers: Why Your Opinions No Longer Matter
No one but Rick Santorum seems to side with climate change deniers anymore. That debate was lost 10 years ago. Sad, because we could've used the...
Is Ben Carson Right? On Abortion Rights And The War on Women [analysis]
Ben Carson has become a polarizing figure in the U.S. presidential campaign. Here's Jason Dias' analysis of Carson's stance on Planned Parenthood...
Goodbye, Oliver Sacks: Last of The Celebrity Scientists
RIP Oliver Sacks. Thanks for all you did here on Planet Earth. Obituary.
Jason Dias: How To Accept Death
The best way to live a full life is to not deny death, but accept it. Here's existential psychologist Jason Dias on how to accept death -- and live a...
I Don’t Care if You ARE Xena The Warrior Princess, You’re Still Kinda Dumb
From Facebook contests saying your name means Xena the Warrior Princess to Ashley Madison and all scams in between, folks do the stupidest things...
Deathwatch: On The Coming End Of The Giant Sequoias
The Giant Sequoias aren't long for the world. Here's why the end of the Giant Sequoias is imminent, and what we can still do about it. Analysis.
Jason Dias: Are Autistics More Creative? Evidence Suggests Yes
Are autistics more creative than you? Jason Dias, a psychologist with Asperger's, says the evidence suggests they are. Here it is. Judge for yourself.
On Equine-Assisted Therapy: Off The Ground, Still Grounded
Equine-assisted therapy could surprise you. It sure surprised our columnist Jason Dias. Here's how.
Jason Dias: What Does Sadness Weigh?
Sadness feels real. Like it has mass, dimension and weight. That's why therapist Jason Dias asks: What does sadness weigh? The answer will surprise...
Empathy vs Compassion: Which One Rules You?
What's the difference between empathy and compassion? Must you choose? Should you choose both? The doctor will see you now.
If I Get Out of My Head, Where Will I Go? [advice]
Forget getting out of your head. Don't worry that thinking will make you worldly or cynical. Essayist Jason Dias advises you live by your heart...
Is Success Worth It? Nope. That’s Why I’m Glad I Failed
Is success worth it? Is it worth it to miss each day's radiant beauty and connectedness just for life on the treadmill? Jason Dias says no. Here's...
What Writing And Launching Satellites Have in Common
Launching satellites and writing novels have more in common than you think. Ask Jason Dias. He's done both. Here's how the two activities compare.
On Writing: How To Use Gender Neutral Language, Literally
It's in the dictionary, we promise. Here's how to use gender language, literally. And also, here's how to use the word 'literally." Now you know...
How To Suffer, How To Die: Here’s How To Decide
You get to choose whether to suffer for something or suffer for nothing. You get to choose how to die, says existential psychologist Jason Dias...
Jason Dias: If You’re in Ferguson Protesting Right Now, Thank You
If you’re out there in Ferguson tonight, holding out your hands so an officer can arrest you, congratulations, says Jason Dias. Black Lives Matter...
How Republicans And Democrats Think: And Who’s Right?
Republicans and Democrats think differently, of course. Here's how. A short analysis by existential psychologist Jason Dias.
If You Want Proof That Fox Doesn’t Suck That Bad, Read This.
Our Jason Dias thought the Republican debate on Fox would be rotten, but hosts Chris Wallace and team did a standup job, journalistically. Turns out...
Why The B1 Bomber Should Still Scare The Crap Out Of You
January 1993. Jason Dias. a military man on a secret project, meets two things that still petrify him: The B1 bomber and his coworkers. Here's why...
On The Physics of Superman: Why Most Superhero Movies Suck
Newton's Third Law of Motion prevents Superman from stopping a moving train. Here's Jason Dias on the physics of Superman, and why most superhero...
FAIL! Here’s What To Do After You Fail — At Anything
So you failed. You got fired, dumped, embarrassed yourself, lost out on a chance of a lifetime. Here's existential psychotherapist Jason Dias with...
Ron Paul Says Buy Gold. Don’t. Buy This, Instead …
So Ron Paul is trying on TV and in his own web ads to convince you to buy gold. Of course, he is. Here's what's wrong with the scheme and what you...
Why Walmart Conspiracy Theories Aren’t Totally Nuts
Walmart closes five stores suddenly. Now Walmart conspiracy theories abound. But it's what's under all this craziness that's really worth considering...
Ignore Gladwell And The Karate Kid: Here’s How to Really Make It Big
Forget everything you ever learned from "The Karate Kid." Triple Malcolm Gladwell's 10,000-hour rule. But training by itself doesn't ensure success...
Kobayashi Maru: What Will The Boy Scouts Do Now?
Boy Scouts of America are in a classic lose-lose situation. Either they must fight to the death for ther anti-gay principles or accept money to...
Afraid to Die? Got 50K? 15 Ways to Leave A Legacy
If you're afraid to die, you're not alone. But there are ways to feel better and die without dread and regrets. Here's how to spend $50K and leave a...
Major Life Change? On Doing What Moves You
One of the most profound ways to change your life is to make a decision to alter your life so you are free to do what moves you. Here's what led...
Jason Dias: On PTSD and The Existential Implications of The Walking Dead
PTSD isn't madness. It's a failure to go mad. This failure to adjust to a sick society is the theme of "The Walking Dead." Who said TV isn't...
Are You Authentic? Congruent? Or Just An Authentic Ass Hat?
Existential psychologist Jason Dias will see you now. And he wants to know: Are you congruent? Are you authentic? Or are you just an authentic ass...
Jason Dias: What The Confederate Flag Means To Me
The Confederate Flag means something to a lot of people. It does. Here's what it means to Jason Dias and what love has to do with it.
The Worst Generation? Maybe, But Our Children Are Better than Us
Kids today are part of the worst generation ever, according to popular parlance. But Jason Dias says that, in many important ways, they're better...
Jason Dias: What Is Sadness For?
You live one moment, then the next, then the next. And you keep doing it until all your moments are gone. So what is sadness for? Essay.
How Many Times Have You Been Arrested For Smarting Off To A Cop?
When was the last time you were arrested for smarting off to a cop? Never? Thought so. Here's psychologist Jason Dias on what went wrong for Sandra...
Jason Dias: Whatever Happened to Childhood?
Statistically, the world isn't any more dangerous now than when you were a kid. But you have to keep your kid locked down. Why? Jason Dias wonders:...
Online Ratings: Hey, I’m A College Prof. I’m Not McDonalds
Ever notice how online ratings are either great or terrible? There's rarely an in-between. And online ratings for sure don't work in education...
Is The President Allowed to Salute? Nope. And Here’s Why.
Is the president allowed to salute ever? Nope. Yet Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer and others got all over U.S. President Barack Obama for not doing it...
And Here’s A Problem You Can Only Fix By Going To Jail
Here's a problem you can only fix by going to jail. Are you up for it? Jason Dias analysis.
If Your Life Feels Empty, This May Be Why
You sit there with your big ass TV and every electronic toy you can buy. Yet your life feels empty. Why is that? Existential psychologist Jason Dias...
Man Vs. Man: On Auschwitz, Tuskegee and Guantanemo
How could Auschwitz, Gitmo and Tuskegee happen? By refusing to think them through, we fail to see how we also are at risk for the same kind of...
Star Wars: On Luke Skywalker’s Hand, Crossguard Lightsabers and You
When Luke Skywalker loses his hand in the Star Wars series, it symbolizes something that psychologists recognize instantly. Jason Dias analyzes...
The APA Is Dead: And Not Just Because Of APA Ethics Violations
The American Psychological Association (APA) is dead, or should be, says psychologist Jason Dias. APA ethics violations are legion. Think about the...
The McDonalds Minion Toy Isn’t Cursing: You Just Have A Dirty Mind
People read ambiguous stimuli anyway they want. Take McDonalds Minion Toy, the one that is supposed to be cursing. Or Janet Jackson's nipple ...
Jason Dias: On Losing The Savant Abilities Autism Gave Me
Essayist Jason Dias, born with Asperger's Syndrome, says he is now losing some of the savant abilities autism gave him. Here's what he lost, what...
A 1940s Ball: Is Nostalgia the Same As Happiness? Maybe
Jason Dias attends a 1940s ball and concludes that happiness and nostalgia may be one in the same. Here's why.
Jason Dias: The Consolation Prizes of Autism
When you have autism, there are certain consolation prizes you get, says Jason Dias. Here's what Asperger's and autism give you -- and what they take...
Should I Buy My Friend Some Weed? Yes, If …
Our editor wonders whether he should buy weed for his friend's birthday. He lives in Colorado. Are there any good reasons not to? Here are the facts...
Let Them Drink Zin: The Rich, The Right And The California Water Crisis
The rich have the freedom not to worry about the California water crisis and other coming shortages. They can just buy water. For now. Revolution is...
Is This Journalism? And What Am I?
Jason Dias ponders journalism versus blogging and wonders about his own place in the so-called Fourth Estate. What is journalism now? Here's what it...
US Elections: What The Donald Trump Candidacy Really Means
Jason Dias analyzes the candidacy of Donald Trump and what his comments about Mexicans really signal about him -- and all of us. Commentary.
Do Scared People Vote Republican?
Do scared people vote Republican? Psychologist Jason Dias tackles that and other questions that may reveal what your politics say about the real you.
All Beef and No Pickle: Magic Mike XXL Review
Would you believe Magic Mike XXL isn't really a beefcake film for girls after all, but a bro movie? And a roadtrip movie? It's true! Here's Jason...
Logic Lab: Climate Change, White Fragility And An Argument to Consequence
Argument to Consequence is a kind of logical fallacy. Here's how it applies to climate change, racism, the concept of "white fragility" and more...
Chris Rock Thinks You’re A Wussy: Are You?
Are you not flying a rebel flag because you're too politically correct not to do so? Are you too PC to not support gay rights? Chris Rock says you're...
Self Immolation: Would You Set Yourself on Fire to Protest Anything? Really? Well, Don’t.
Rick Scarborough said he'd self-immolate if the SCOTUS cleared same-sex marriage. He didn't do it. Charles Moore did. Self-immolation as protest is a...
On Love, Rainbow Flags and Hate: Thanks for the Memories
Jason Dias says his social feed today is all love, rainbow flags and hate. And that's a volatile combination. Time to get back to business.
Why Do You Care about Anything? Really. Why?
The reason you're anxious about that meeting, that email, that girl? Because you care so much. But why do you care? Why do you care about anything...
On Michael Wood, Jr., Riots and Resistance in America
Former Baltimore Police Sgt. Michael Wood is still tweeting his examples of how police abused black citizens in the city, causing the riots. Anything...
Jason Dias: Is Porn Good for You? [analysis]
Is porn good for you? Jason Dias examines the research from the U.S., Japan and Norway to get answers. And what he found will definitely surprise you.
Jason Dias: On Men’s Rights, Racism And Revenge
Men’s Rights groups are springing up everywhere. They’re there to take back rights that women’s advocacy eroded. But there's a stain of racism and...
Dixie Democrats, Republicans And The New KKK
Once the Confederate battle flag is really gone, racism won't be gone. And it could get worse. On Dixie Democrats, Republicans and the new KKK...
What If You Only Had To Paint Naked Women?
Want to be a great artist? What if all you had to do was be male -- and paint naked women? Jason Dias surveys the most expensive paintings ever sold...
How To Debate An Intellectual Skinhead
Science says we ignore the speaker and consider facts only. But stupid people say correct things sometimes. Here's how to debate an intellectual...
Open Carry: If You Can Read This, You’re in Range
Go ahead, says Jason Dias. Buy a gun. Take it hunting or put it under your pillow. But if you show up in public with your weapon, don't be surprised...
Why We Suffer From The Delusion of Racism
Let’s stop pretending Dylann Roof is an isolated case who doesn't represent anything troubling about us. Here's why we suffer from the delusion of...
Don’t Blame America. Blame The American Dream.
You’re aware of the American dream as hopeful, wanting, optimistic. But the dream you’re unaware of is running from your feelings. They are feelings...
Why It’s Time To Revisit The Turing Test
Turing’s test is pretty famous by now. The question is whether Turing understood the phenomenon he was attempting to test for. What is sentience...
So You Think You Can Dance. But What Do You Live For?
So you think you can dance? Dance on, useless people, says Jason Dias, who adds that dance, TV and life have more in common than you think. Essay.
Appropriation: How Rachel Dolezal Became The New Black
When black folks act white, it’s called assimilation. When whites act black, it's appropriation. The anger around Rachel Dolezal seems to be around...
On The End of The Iowa Straw Poll, Twitter And You
Here's Jason Dias on the death of the Iowa Straw Poll and the so-called Republican Twitter takeover. Analysis.
Maximum Security Escape: How Felons Groom Accomplices
David Sweat and Richard Matt had a prison employee aid them with their maximum security escape. How do criminals groom their accomplices? Analysis.
Don’t F#&k Around With Nature: Jurassic World review
The effects were great. The story is fine. But the real message in "Jurassic World" is about global warming, says Jason Dias. Seriously. Jurassic...
Suffering, Redemption And “The Six Million Dollar Man”
In our world of nuclear missiles and antidepressants, we don’t have patience for the things that make a man a hero. Meet "The Six Million Dollar Man...
Partisan Politics, Rudeness And The Unavoidable
Is it partisan to be critical when the criticism is well-supported by facts? Here's Jason Dias with some thoughts on partisan politics, writing and...
Facebook: You’re Doing It Wrong
I’m not saying it’s your fault all your friends are smug fundamentalist partisans, I’m saying you can get a better Facebook experience just with...
Blame The Unions, Blame The Workers
Did unions destroy the American auto industry? Jason Dias says it's easy to blame the unions and blame the workers. And here's what's really going on...
Jason Dias: Hell, Yeah, I’d Wear A Burqa
Jason Dias considers women in burqas, Caitlyn Jenner and why wearing red will land a woman a job. As long as she's not fat. Or ugly.
The Trouble with Carly
Jason Dias has a problem with Carly Fiorina in her bid for U.S. president. A big problem. Here's why.
For Profit Schools: Are You Paying 80K For A Fake Degree?
You can get a fake degree really cheap online. Or you can pretend your school is real and pay $80K for a fake one. What's worse? A tale of two...
Jason Dias: How To Write Strong Female Characters Now
Don’t know how to write a female character? That’s the strongest sign you should do it. Writer Jason Dias explains how to write strong female...
Jason Dias: Suffering Is Optional, But I Highly Recommend It
Suffering is optional, true, but existential philosopher Jason Dias highly recommends it. Here's what you stand to learn from the burn.
Volcano, San Andreas, 2012: Why Disaster Movies Suck
Films like "Volcano" and "San Andreas" show you exactly why disaster movies suck so bad. They also show you why you've been lying to yourself. Review.
Mad Max Review: 5 Surprising Things That Survived The Apocalypse
In "Mad Max: Fury Road," 5 bizarre things were able to survive this latest apocalypse. Tina Turner didn't. But Clairol did. Find Jason Dias'...
The Price of Ambiguity: How Not to Fear Dying
The price of ambiguity is high, yes. But what does it have to do with the fear of dying. Everything, says our staff existentialist Jason Dias.
Why Work Hard? On Facing The Myth of Work-Life Balance
Why work hard? Why indeed? Our capitalist system rewards people not for hard work, but for risking capital. Money. Stake some money, own a stake in...
The View from Inside A Psych Hospital: When Tension Builds
Existential psychologist Jason Dias provides a view from inside a psych hospital. Here's what's going down.
A Week without Racism
What would a week without racism be like? No microagressions like touching a black person's hair without asking. And definitely no mistaking guns for...
Kid Lit: Why Harry Potter And Percy Jackson Suck So Bad
There's a major problem with kid lit, says Jason Dias. And the characters of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson illustrate exactly what that problem is.
When Sentience Means Suicide: Her Electric Dreams
Sentience allows suicide and agency requires you allow it. "Electric Dreams" and "Her" are two films that drive that point home. Word to The...
Ex Machina: Your Hot, Fake Naked Woman Will See You Now
There are a ton of naked women in the new movie "Ex Machina," but none of them are real. Jason Dias reviews this intriguing new film, a Turing-esque...
You Watch Too Many Sandra Bullock Movies, Bro
Maybe I don't really know what love is. But I do know this ...
On YouTube Candidacy And The 2016 Presidential Clown Car
As the 2016 presidential clown car fills up, Jason Dias digs into YouTube candidacy. Here's the problem.
Jason Dias: Why I Am A Pacifist
Would you rather die than kill? Rather be hurt than hurt someone else. In Why I Am A Pacifist, Jason Dias does that math. Have you done yours?
What Are Police for, Really?
What are police for? Here's a theory.
So You Want to Be A Writer? Cool. Here’s How to Write
So you want to be a writer? Cool. Here's what it takes to be a writer. A real writer. Sit down before you read this, though.
Why is Walter Scott Dead? Because We’re Cowards, All of Us
We're all to blame for the senseless murder of Walter Scott. Here's why.
Indiana Religious Freedom: The Art of Catering A Gay Wedding
Not every state has legal protections against sexual discrimination, but that's changing. Are we really worried about Indiana religious freedom and...
Listen, Neurotypical: You Need to Stop Calling Us Aspis
Jason Dias is here to enlighten you on a couple of things. Yes, people with Asperger's really are smarter. And they really hate it when you call them...
On PTSD: Existential Implications of the Walking Dead
Here's existential psychologist Jason Dias on "The Walking Dead," PTSD and the idea of going crazy. But PTSD isn't crazy. It is something else...
Jason Dias: On Racism, Reality and the Outrage of False Equivalence
One black person killing one white person isn't equivalent to years of discrimination, intimidation and exploitation.
Too Crazy to Fly? On the Real Meaning of Crazy, Insane — and Evil
In the wake of a German pilot's intentional downing of a passenger jet, psychologist Jason Dias examines the real meaning of crazy, insane -- and...
Read This Before All Your Brain Cells Are Gone (And They’re Going Fast!)
If you hope your brain cells die before they get old you won't be disappointed. You once had 100 billion. By 40, you have just 40 billion. Read this...
Do You Want to See Me Punished?
Americans love to watch people get punished. Why is this? And what's wrong with this fascination, anyway? Jason Dias takes a closer look at...
Sad But True: Here’s How to Get Hired for Anything (Really!)
Going to a job interview? Want every last edge? Don't worry. Psychology is here to help you. It might also make you sad. But you do want to get...
This Woman Wants You to Look at Her Chest
This headline sounds like clickbait, but my friend Lisa really does want you to look at her chest. Here's why.
The Flynn Effect: It’s Why All Your Favorite Films All Suck Now
"Jurassic Park" just ain't what it used to be. But what is?
Jason Dias: Rate This Movie R for Racism, SO for Sex Objects …
Rate this column as TT for too true. Lol.
Blood Moon, Yellow Sky, Racebent Hermione and a Gay Vampire
There is more to racebending than you think.
Jason Dias: No Such Thing As American Classism
Racism isn't classism. Period.
What Ancient Aliens, Internet Trolls and Griefers Have In Common
aNewDomain — Ancient Aliens started airing on the History Channel in 2010. Informational and educational television has been moving away from...
On Dying Fish, Fundamentalism and the Blindness of Faith
It seems we should have other things to worry about then basic human rights issues. And that's the problem with blind faith ...
Jason Dias: On Writing to Destroy Yourself
"There's nothing to writing," said Ernest Hemingway. "Just sit at the typewriter and bleed."
Who Could’ve Known? On Murder, Earthquakes and Hindsight
Expecting experts to be able to predict the unpredictable isn't just unscientific. It's dumb. Here's why.
Hamburger on the Hoof? Here’s the Right Way to Eat Animals
Is it a cow or hamburger-on-a-hoof? There's a right way to eat animals.
Jason Dias: What America Would Be Like If We Weren’t Racist
If America weren't racist, you'd barely recognize the place. Here's what would change.
Asperger Syndrome: Why My Autism Makes You So Nervous
It all has to do with wrong-headed philosophies and misplaced expectations.
What Is Insight? In The Long Run [book review]
Our resident existentialist, psychotherapist and essayist Jason Dias takes a long look at Jacqueline Simon Gunn's "In The Long Run" and asks: What is...
Jason Dias: On Being Naivé, Awkward and Enlightened
Give up knowing. Be open to experience. It's okay to be awkward. Jason Dias says these are key to a great relationship with your lover, those in your...
The Funniest Jon Stewart Video Clips Ever: Tribute
Try not to pee in your pants. It wouldn't be dignified.
On Memory: Or Why Brian Williams Can’t Perceive the World As It Is
Brian Williams, now suspended from NBC, didn't tell the truth. Here's an exploration on how memory works and what the Brian Williams error really was...
On the Death of the University: What’s Next?
Here's Jason Dias on the death of the university as you once knew it -- and on what's next.
Jason Dias: On the Meaning of Life or the Lack Thereof
Does your life have meaning? Should you seek that? Existentialists don't agree.
Jason Dias: On Entering the Church of Planes
Here's Jason Dias on air travel. Read this and you'll never look at an airport the same way again.
Jason Dias: Why Secular Societies Seem More Moral
Is a more rational society a more moral one? Existentialist Jason Dias thinks so. Here's why.
Jason Dias: Why Optimism Is Killing Us
Hope has to be more than optimism, writes existentialist Jason Dias. Otherwise it risks being only an escape from reality. Here's why optimism is...