Quenery, Paul Christopher B.

BSCM 3.2A
Philippine Popular Culture
29th May 2024

1. Based on your understanding, what does the article imply about popular psychology?

According to what I understand, the popular psychology article suggests that instead of
relying solely on hearsay or personal anecdotes to foster empathy, Filipinos should be more receptive
to information based on science. When it comes to issues like mental health, our worldview, and our
way of life, we should use reason whenever possible to prevent pop psychology from taking
advantage of these problems in order to further their own interests. and the article claims that
although Truth and Fact are similar, they are a false solution.

2. Do you think popular psychology has advantages and disadvantages? What are those? Explain.

The benefits of popular psychology include people believing they can be better parents,
spouses, and leaders. It seeks to lessen pain and provides helpful advice. On the other hand, the
drawbacks promote the dissemination of misleading information, which can manifest as widespread
misinterpretations or distortions of data or as the real fabrication of myths related to statistics.

3. Reflect on the article and cite examples of popular psychology you have seen online. Share your
opinion about them.

One online example of popular psychology is the vlog/podcast RealTalkDarbs, whose host
tackles relationships, motivation, and self-love in their content. In addition, the host will close the vlog
or podcast with some "wisdom bombs". He frequently posts lengthy quotes about hot-button topics
on social media, based solely on his opinion and not on the facts. The placebo effect, which occurs
when a person's physical or mental health appears to improve after taking a placebo or "dummy"
treatment, is what I believe initially helps because it gives people the self-validation they need, but
over time, it will develop a negative impact on them feeling better as opposed to truly improving. This
may give false hope and send those in need of medical attention down a possibly dangerous and futile
route.