Psychology news

• Watching Violent Video Game Characters May Fuel Implicit Biases

  15-03-2026 07:07 via socialpsychology.org
  Source: PsyPostWhen people watch violent video game characters, the race of those digital avatars can shape the viewers' racial biases in real life. A recent experiment published in the International Journal of Psychology found that seeing a Black character perform violent acts increased unconscious prejudice among White participants. Black participants actually reported lower levels of overt racism after watching the same footage.
  
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• People Often Overestimate Backlash of Changing Their Political Beliefs

  15-03-2026 07:07 via socialpsychology.org
  Source: PsyPostA new study suggests that people consistently overestimate how much their political peers will judge them for changing their minds on polarizing issues. This inflated fear of rejection then leads them to hide their shifting views. The research, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, provides evidence that the social penalty for political dissent within one's own party is generally much milder than expected.
  
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• Millions of Kids Take Melatonin, But Doctors Are Raising Red Flags

  15-03-2026 07:05 via socialpsychology.org
  Source: Science Daily - Top HealthMelatonin is now widely used to help children sleep, but scientists say the enthusiasm may be getting ahead of the evidence. A major review found clear benefits for children with conditions like autism and ADHD, yet far less research exists on typical childhood insomnia. Researchers also warn about accidental ingestions among young kids. Experts say melatonin should be used carefully and only alongside proven behavioral sleep strategies.
  
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