The human mind is still full of mysteries that scientists have yet to fully explore. They continue to study the brain and learn more about new behaviors and findings that may surprise you.
Strange Facts About Human Psychology That Not Everyone Knows
- 1. People with extremely high IQs often have few friends
- 2. Depression alters color perception
- 3. Don’t boast about your plans; otherwise, nothing will happen
- 4. Knowing a foreign language helps you make better decisions
- 5. Young people experience depression more often
- 6. Fatigue can boost your creativity
- 7. 80% of all conversations are small talk
- 8. You can buy feelings of happiness
- 9. 20 seconds is enough to establish trust
- 10. 80% of your thoughts are negative
1. People with extremely high IQs often have few friends
A long time ago, when our distant ancestors engaged in hunting and gathering, friendships were essential for the tribe’s survival. Today, people still make friends, but not for such survival benefits.
However, recent research has shown that individuals with high IQs do not require many friends. This is because their brains are occupied with solving significant problems, and they view socializing as a waste of time. Yet, don’t assume that having fewer friends indicates intelligence or is a good thing. Studies have demonstrated that friendship positively impacts not just mental well-being but also physical health. That’s why sometimes it’s better to step away from books and engage with interesting people.
2. Depression alters color perception
The phrase “life loses its color” for those suffering from depression is not just a metaphor; it has medical implications. While experiencing depression, the retina becomes less sensitive to contrasting colors, and patients also struggle to distinguish colors. Moreover, if your surroundings are filled with gray and dull hues, it can contribute to a more melancholic mood.
3. Don’t boast about your plans; otherwise, nothing will happen
If you decide to start something new (like not eating after 6 PM, running in the morning, or learning a foreign language), never share your plans with anyone. Otherwise, nothing will come to fruition. When you discuss your plans, your brain perceives this task as “completed,” making it challenging to convince yourself otherwise. It may sound superstitious, but psychologists have proven this correlation is accurate.
4. Knowing a foreign language helps you make better decisions
To make better decisions, you don’t need to be cold-hearted; you just need to think in a foreign language. Scientists believe that people tend to act impulsively when making significant decisions. However, if you analyze the situation in a foreign language, the rational part of your brain gets involved, leading to a more balanced approach without excessive risks.
5. Young people experience depression more often
A survey found that the unhappiest people in the world are those under 30. Men and women aged 18 to 30 are more susceptible to anxiety and stress. Who said that youth is the most carefree time of life? Millennials and Gen Z certainly do not think so.
6. Fatigue can boost your creativity
If you’re looking to spark a creative idea, fatigue may not be so bad. Creative thoughts often come to those who are exhausted because their brains function less efficiently: they do not dismiss seemingly crazy ideas at first glance that you would typically say “no” to when fully awake.
A seemingly absurd idea could be the beginning of a significant project. That’s why great ideas often come to us after a long workday. If you are a creative person, your creative process may start in the evening, and if you’re a night owl, inspiration might strike you in the morning.
7. 80% of all conversations are small talk
Most conversations are small talk, and this issue is not dependent on gender, as men tend to engage in small talk just as much as women. Scientists have provided a shocking statistic: 80% of our conversations are merely chit-chat and exchanges of information about friends and colleagues. However, small talk is not bad; it is an essential form of communication. It helps people maintain social connections.
8. You can buy feelings of happiness
It is often said that happiness cannot be bought. However, psychologists have misinterpreted this information: you can indeed buy feelings of happiness, but that money should not be spent on yourself but on loved ones, friends, or charitable organizations. When we bring joy to others, we boost our self-esteem, feel more significant, and become happier and more satisfied with our lives.
9. 20 seconds is enough to establish trust
To establish trust, you should hug someone for about 20 seconds (of course, only after you have their consent). This fact can be explained quite simply from a biological perspective: when we hug, we produce oxytocin, a hormone released when people feel safe, which helps promote calm and relaxation.
10. 80% of your thoughts are negative
On average, 12,000 to 60,000 thoughts occur in our minds each day. The human brain is more powerful than any computer. Unfortunately, 80% of our thoughts are negative. Not only that, but most of these negative thoughts repeat daily. So, all those silly thoughts that pop into your head throughout the year are entirely normal, as this happens to everyone.
