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May 24 2011

What is terror management theory?

26 min 1 movie discussed
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Terror management theory isn't about mid-level bureaucrats in Al-Qaeda -- so what exactly is it, and what does it say about human culture and our perception of mortality? Join Chuck and Josh as they explore the implications of terror management theory.

AI Summary

This Stuff You Should Know episode dives into a fascinating paradox: how our well-intentioned efforts to fight climate change might actually be making things worse, and why scary environmental headlines could be turning people off from taking action altogether. Josh and Chuck explore "terror management theory" - the psychological concept that when people are reminded of mortality, they either cling to familiar comforts or simply shut down and ignore the problem. The hosts examine how alarmist media coverage of climate issues might be backfiring by overwhelming people into inaction, making this both a science lesson and a look at human psychology.


Movies Discussed

The Adventures of Milo and Otis
The Adventures of Milo and Otis
1986 1h 15m
★ 6.5
"Milo and Otis makes you cry while you're watching it on the couch — Josh used this as an example of how vulnerability makes you emotional about things you normally wouldn't care about." — Josh

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