NAME: CHAKRAVARTHI MK

REG NO. 23MSPS113.

1MSPS.
HIGHER COGNITIVE PROCESS.

A brief overview about:

Topic 1:

9 Levels of Pickpocketing: Easy to Complex

At the outset, Ben introduces himself and distinguishes between two

overarching types of pickpocketing: the criminal and the theatrical.
Through this distinction, he hints at the psychological nuances involved
in both the act of theft and the performance aspect.

As he progresses through the levels, each steal becomes a window into

the psyche of both the pickpocket and the victim. From the seemingly
simple table steal to the more intricate maneuvers like the outside breast
pocket and ID badge steals, Ben elucidates how misdirection,
distraction, and manipulation of attention are central to the success of
each theft.

Notably, Ben doesn't just showcase the techniques but also delves into
the underlying psychology. For instance, in the ID badge steal, he
emphasizes the power of eye contact as a means of distraction and
deception, highlighting the vulnerability of human attention under such
circumstances.

Moreover, in demonstrating how he navigates stealing from different

pockets, including jackets and smartwatches, Ben underscores the
importance of understanding human behavior and exploiting
environmental cues to execute the theft seamlessly.

Throughout the video, Ben's insights not only offer a glimpse into the
mechanics of pickpocketing but also provide a deeper understanding of
human psychology—how attention, perception, and vulnerability
intertwine to create opportunities for theft. Ultimately, the presentation
transcends mere instruction, offering viewers a fascinating exploration
of the intricate interplay between mind and manipulation.

Topic 2: Our Body Image and social media: Live Life Unfiltered |
Keisha & Teagan Simpson Simpson | TEDx Ottawa:
In this segment of the video, Keisha and Teagan Simpson delve into the
profound negative effects of social media, particularly Instagram, on the
mental health of young women. They highlight how the pervasive
culture of comparison perpetuated by platforms like Instagram has led to
a concerning increase in anxiety, depression, and body image issues
among this demographic.

From a psychological perspective, the emphasis on likes and followers

as metrics of worth contributes to a distorted sense of self-esteem and
happiness. The constant exposure to carefully curated and filtered
images fosters unrealistic standards and fuels feelings of inadequacy and
insecurity. This phenomenon is especially pronounced in teenage girls,
who are particularly vulnerable to the pressures of social media.

Keisha and Teagan draw from their personal experiences, illustrating

how the habit of comparing oneself to others, both online and offline,
can deeply impact self-perception and mental well-being. Their
initiative, Live Life Unfiltered, seeks to challenge these damaging norms
by promoting authenticity and vulnerability on social media.

Through the "As She Is Challenge," they encourage young women to

embrace their imperfections and post unfiltered photos, fostering a sense
of empowerment and solidarity. By advocating for a less filtered
approach both online and offline, the Simpsons recognize the importance
of acknowledging and addressing the negative effects of social media on
mental health.

Their campaign underscores the psychological importance of

authenticity, self-acceptance, and community support in combating the
detrimental impacts of social media on mental well-being. By fostering
genuine connections and promoting realistic self-perceptions, initiatives
like Live Life Unfiltered offer a vital counterbalance to the harmful
influences of comparison culture in the digital age.

Topic 3: TikTok and #IDIOCRACY 11: NPC Edition.

In this segment, let's delve into the psychological aspects behind the
TikTok phenomenon and the emergence of the #IDIOCRACY 11: NPC
Edition.

TikTok has swiftly become a cultural juggernaut, captivating millions

with its short-form videos and captivating content. From dance
challenges to comedic skits, the platform offers a window into the
diverse array of human expression. However, amidst the creativity,
there's a darker side—a tendency for conformity and the proliferation of
what some term "NPC" behavior.

From a psychological perspective, the appeal of TikTok lies in its ability

to tap into basic human desires for connection, validation, and
entertainment. The platform provides a sense of belonging as users
engage with trending challenges and mimic popular content creators.
This desire to fit in and be part of a larger community can lead to a
phenomenon known as social conformity, where individuals adopt
behaviors and beliefs to align with the group.

The #IDIOCRACY 11: NPC Edition sheds light on this aspect of TikTok
culture, highlighting the proliferation of repetitive and unoriginal content
that seems to lack individual thought or creativity. The term "NPC"
(non-player character) originates from gaming culture, referring to
characters controlled by the game rather than by human players. In the
context of TikTok, it's used metaphorically to describe users who
mindlessly follow trends without critical thinking or genuine expression.

From a psychological perspective, this phenomenon can be understood

through the lens of social influence and group dynamics. Users may feel
pressure to conform to popular trends in order to gain likes, followers,
and social validation. This can lead to a homogenization of content,
where originality takes a backseat to mimicry in pursuit of social
currency.

However, the #IDIOCRACY 11: NPC Edition also serves as a wake-up

call, prompting users to reflect on their behavior and consider the impact
of mindless conformity on individuality and creativity. By encouraging
self-awareness and critical thinking, it challenges the prevailing culture
of superficial engagement and prompts users to break free from the
confines of algorithmic dictates.

Ultimately, TikTok and the #IDIOCRACY 11: NPC Edition offer a

fascinating case study in the intersection of technology, psychology, and
cultural expression. By understanding the psychological drivers behind
social media behavior, users can navigate platforms like TikTok more
consciously, fostering genuine connection and creative expression
amidst the sea of trends and conformity.

Topic 4: Incel Convicted for Planning Attack | Dangers of

Unwanted Celibacy | Tres Genco Case Analysis

In the YouTube video titled "Incel Convicted for Planning Attack:

Dangers of Unwanted Celibacy – Tres Genco Case Analysis," Dr.
Grande delves into the troubling case of Tres Genco, shedding light on
the psychological factors underlying his planned attack and the broader
implications of unwanted celibacy within the incel community.
From a psychological perspective, the story of Tres Genco is a tragic
illustration of the intersection between individual pathology and societal
influences. Genco's identification as an involuntary celibate (incel) and
his idolization of Elliott Roger reveal a profound sense of alienation and
resentment towards women. Driven by feelings of hatred, jealousy, and
revenge, Genco's planned attack reflects a disturbing manifestation of
his distorted beliefs and unchecked emotions.

Throughout the analysis, Dr. Grande highlights several key

psychological themes. First, Genco's lack of understanding of the
severity of his crime underscores the disconnect between his distorted
perceptions and reality. This cognitive distortion may have allowed him
to rationalize his violent intentions and minimize the potential
consequences of his actions.

Furthermore, Genco's deteriorating behavior over time, as observed by

his mother, suggests underlying psychological issues that were left
unaddressed. His erratic behavior, impulsivity, and delusional beliefs
point to possible mental health concerns that may have contributed to his
descent into violence.

Moreover, the correlation between unwanted celibacy and hostile

attitudes towards women is a crucial aspect of the analysis. Dr. Grande
emphasizes the psychological impact of prolonged rejection and
frustration, which can breed feelings of sadness, anger, and resentment.
In the case of incels, these negative emotions may be exacerbated by
online echo chambers that validate and amplify misogynistic beliefs,
further fueling a cycle of alienation and aggression.
From a broader perspective, Dr. Grande acknowledges the complex
interplay between individual psychology and societal factors in shaping
attitudes towards sex and relationships. While unwanted celibacy is a
reality for many individuals, it is essential to recognize that it does not
justify or excuse violent behavior. Instead, he advocates for personal
improvement and addressing underlying psychological issues as
healthier alternatives to violence.

In essence, the analysis of Tres Genco's case underscores the importance

of understanding the psychological motivations behind acts of violence
and addressing the underlying factors that contribute to toxic ideologies
within online communities like the incel movement. By exploring these
complex dynamics, Dr. Grande offers valuable insights into the
intersection of individual psychology, societal influences, and the
dangers of unchecked resentment and alienation.