Spencer R. Potesta @SpencerRPotesta Twitter profile

Pinned Tweet

Spencer R. Potesta

7 months

I can’t stop thinking about this crazy experiment. In 1961, volunteers were asked to administer electric shocks to learners if they gave an incorrect answer. What happened next will blow your mind. The Milgram Experiment:

52

270

1K

Last Seen Profiles

@ErotikaW

@Bietigheim

@R1dd1kulu5

@ROTARYFC3C

@MGenira

@BitMartExchange

@DepriMuntarto

@marciosilvabsb

@jaeeebizzlee

@nomizy__

@rancianndo

@gala_purple

@Robertozeca1

@doremi_430sc

@cyedumme

@midia_livrebr

@YoongiWife143

@Koiochacha_

@casalfantasia20

@ReithDelaine

@zion_paret

@casalfantasia20

@helio21382826

@HPC_DMI_UniBas

@cicerodiasx

@OrangeGGM

@cicerodiasx

@AstraGobbo

@fabiobarreto76

@casalfantasia20

@BandarStw

@luciano_lub

@cicerodiasx

@lidiaespinozape

@doshigatai_0316

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

Loneliness is as deadly as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. If you experience loneliness, this is for you. 20 ways to overcome it:

36

213

1K

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

I used to be stressed out of my mind… Then I went down the biggest rabbit hole about the father of stress research. Here’s what I found:

12

64

389

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

The implications were disturbing: • Under certain conditions, people will commit heinous acts if instructed by an authority • The human capacity for cruelty is not limited to a few "evil" individuals • Situational forces can override personal conscience and moral judgment

5

32

168

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

The answer lies in the power of authority and the human instinct to obey. Under pressure from authority, people can do awful things they would never do on their own. Unjust authority figures can prompt immoral, unethical, and harmful actions from their subordinates.

1

18

102

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

They obeyed even as the learner fell silent, suggesting they were unconscious or worse. It was unbelievable. Ordinary people were willing to inflict unimaginable pain at the command of an authority figure.

2

15

77

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

Milgram's findings sent shockwaves through the scientific community and society at large. They offered a sobering explanation for atrocities like genocide. How could ordinary citizens participate in murder?

1

8

73

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

I just read about an experiment I can’t stop thinking about… The Stanford Prison Experiment:

11

15

67

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

Leadership is not about blind obedience, but about inspiring people to do what's right. Foster a culture where employees feel safe to question directives that seem unethical or unreasonable. Reward moral courage, not just compliance.

1

7

66

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

Groupthink and blind obedience can override individual moral objections. Employees may suppress their misgivings to avoid risking their jobs or facing repercussions for disobedience.

1

7

59

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

The implications for today's workplace are profound. Employees may carry out unethical directives from their bosses due to the power dynamics and pressure to obey.

3

6

60

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

If your team fears repercussions for speaking up, you're creating a culture ripe for abuse of power. Cultivate a workplace where open dialogue is encouraged. The strongest teams are those where people have minds of their own.

1

3

53

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

The Milgram Experiment is a cautionary tale for our times. In an era of corporate scandals and ethical lapses, it’s more relevant than ever. It speaks to the importance of independent critical thinking.

1

49

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

The first step is realizing loneliness comes from within, not without. You can enjoy solitude when you're not focused on negative thoughts. In fact, many people cherish their alone time. The key is learning what beliefs are causing your suffering.

2

49

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

The majority of participants in Milgram’s experiment likely did not believe in applying such fatal shocks. Yet social pressure and the assumed legitimacy of the experimenter convinced them to do so. Even at the expense of the learner.

1

4

49

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

But it's not just about personal responsibility. The experiment also highlights the need for checks and balances on authority. Organizations must empower employees to question directives that go against their conscience.

1

6

49

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

The hard truth? No one else can make you happy. External validation and companionship feel good, but it's fleeting. Friends and lovers can't delete the negative thoughts that cause loneliness. In relationships, worries and insecurities still arise.

1

48

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

The majority of participants complied. A staggering 65% continued all the way to the highest 450-volt level. For context, 100 volts is enough to shut down the human body.

2

4

43

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

But despite the learner's agonized screams, the experimenter—dressed in a lab coat—insisted that the teacher continue with the shocks. "The experiment requires that you continue. It is absolutely essential that you continue." How did that turn out?

1

2

40

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

But there was one more twist. None of the learners were volunteers—they were paid actors. Plus, the shocks weren't real. However, none of the teachers knew any of this. As the shocks increased, the learner faked pain and pleaded for the shocks to stop.

1

2

40

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

As a leader, your words and directives carry immense weight. Your team may comply with your orders even when it goes against their moral code, simply because of your authority. This power must be wielded with great care and responsibility.

1

39

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

9 months

Slash your turnover costs by 50% in 2024. Master these 4 psychological theories on motivation and supercharge your team's engagement: Employee motivation is the engine of organizational success.

2

14

41

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

Consider the Enron and Theranos scandals. In both cases, many employees carried out or turned a blind eye to corporate malpractices at the request of their superiors. The pressure to conform and obey authority figures can be immense.

2

1

37

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

The setup was simple yet genius. Volunteers were divided into two groups and placed in different rooms: Teachers and learners. Teachers were tasked with asking questions while learners were to answer them. But that’s not all.

1

2

37

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

The real catch came when learners got answers wrong. Teachers were ordered to administer electric shocks to learners for giving incorrect answers. With each mistake, the voltage increased—starting at 15 volts before topping out at 450 volts.

1

2

37

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

In 1961, psychologist Stanley Milgram conducted a series of controversial experiments at Yale University. But what was his aim?

2

3

35

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

Self-Inquiry To break free from loneliness, get curious about your inner world. When loneliness arises, ask: "What story am I telling myself right now?" "Is it actually true I need X to be happy?" "Can I be content in this moment, as I am?" Your thoughts create your reality.

1

2

32

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

Find Your Tribe Patiently Find groups that share your interests and values. It's easier to connect when you have things in common. But don't try to force yourself to fit in where it doesn't feel aligned. Keep exploring until you find a community that lights you up. Be patient.

1

33

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

Talk It Out Sharing your struggles is one of the most powerful antidotes to loneliness. Realize you're not alone in feeling lonely. Everyone experiences it sometimes—it's part of being human. But opening up to someone can break the cycle.

1

31

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

We're taught that friends and romantic partners are the key to happiness. So we feel empty and lacking without them. We become anxious about the future, worrying we'll never find "our people." This leads to inauthenticity as we try to be who we think others want.

1

2

28

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

Redefine Connection We've been sold a narrow vision of connection. It isn’t limited to heart-to-hearts with a soulmate. It can be a silent exchange of smiles with a stranger or a inside joke with yourself Expand your definition. Appreciate the micro-connections in each moment.

1

26

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

Embrace Solitude Learning to enjoy your own company is a superpower. Solitude is not the same as loneliness. The former is self-imposed while the latter isn’t. Practice spending quality time with yourself. Discover the joy of being by yourself.

1

2

24

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

First, let's define stress. Stress is your body's response to demands or threats, whether emotional, physical, or disease-related. It can be caused by emotional distress, physical challenges, or even diseases.

1

4

25

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

Explore the Root Causes For some, loneliness is tied to deeper issues like low self-esteem or social anxiety. There's no shame in this. Working with a therapist can help identify underlying causes. You can build skills and confidence to overcome those barriers.

1

24

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

Serve Others One of the best ways to get out of your head is to help someone else Volunteer in your community. Lend a listening ear. Perform acts of kindness. Service connects us to our shared humanity and sense of purpose. Contribute to something greater than yourself.

1

0

22

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

1 year

@saraduit @AlloyAutomation Congrats @saraduit - always a desire to niche but industry agnostic is something we did as well a few years back and it’s not detracted at all.

0

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

9 months

Steal this toxic forces cheat sheet! 3 toxic forces that are sabotaging your success: You might not even realize they're there – but they're holding you back big time. Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you identify and combat them:

1

3

21

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

Regular exercise is another powerful stress-buster. Physical activity helps to reduce levels of stress hormones and release endorphins that boost mood Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.

1

3

19

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

Compassionate Self-Talk Pay attention to how you speak to yourself, especially in hard times.

1

0

18

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

Create Non-Human Bonds Connection doesn't only come through people. Caring for a pet or plant can provide a deep sense of meaning and reduce loneliness. Animals offer unconditional love and companionship. Tending to other living things puts us in touch with the web of life.

1

0

18

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

Before we continue… Join 500+ company builders, psychologists, and coaches/consultants for our weekly newsletter. Sign up here: Now, let’s dive back in:

SearchOrgPsych Email Sign-Up External

Turn data collection into an experience with Typeform. Create beautiful online forms, surveys, quizzes, and so much more. Try it for FREE.

eau4gh1n480.typeform.com

1

0

19

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

Hans Selye, the pioneer of stress research, noticed that sick patients had similar symptoms regardless of their disease. He wondered if "being sick" was a sickness in itself. This led to his groundbreaking discovery of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS).

1

2

17

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

9 months

The best decision-making tool you’ve never heard of…Dialectics. Here's the breakdown (and 5 tips to implement it):

1

6

14

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

The bulk of the pain of loneliness is the desperate grasping for solid ground. We think if we can find the perfect person or group, the void inside will finally be filled. None of that is true. Believe you are worthy of connection, exactly as you are.

1

2

16

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

Make The First Move Extending care and compassion can go a long way. If you sense someone is lonely, reach out. Start a conversation. Ask how they're doing. We can create a culture of connection through small, intentional acts. It starts with being the friend we wish to have.

1

2

16

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

8 months

According to Gallup, CEOs with high delegation skills experienced a 33% higher growth rate and generated 33% higher revenue than CEOs with low delegation skills. The problem is many executives struggle with delegation.

6

2

15

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

Lose Yourself in Your Passions What lights you up? What excites you? Explore new hobbies and interests. Engaging in flow activities makes time pass quickly. And in doing so, you may find others who share your passions.

1

0

15

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

10 months

30% of entrepreneurs and executives have ADHD, dyslexia, or both. Here’s how to develop neurodiverse people to become an invaluable asset in your organization:

1

4

17

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

The first step is to identify and address the root causes of your stress. This might involve: • Improving communication in relationships • Developing better time management skills • Setting realistic goals and expectations

1

2

17

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

8 months

Workers in the US work 400 more hours annually than their German counterparts. That 10 extra weeks takes a huge toll.

4

5

16

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

Are you being critical and harsh? Are you dwelling on what's ‘wrong’ with you? Practice talking to yourself like you would a good friend: "It's okay to be where you are. Finding a connection takes time. Keep going."

1

2

15

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

9 months

Save this control types cheat sheet! 3 control types leaders MUST be aware of: Think being a boss is just about calling the shots? Think again.

2

4

15

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

Question whether your expectations are realistic or even desirable for you. Abandon social standards. Embrace your unique needs and definition of fulfillment.

1

14

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

8 months

Hot take: Studying improv is a powerful tool for learning how to handle rejection. A Finnish study led by Sirke Seppänen studied the psychophysical markers of people in a job interview and during a 25-minute improv session.

6

2

12

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

P.S. Join 500+ company builders, psychologists, and coaches/consultants for our weekly newsletter. Sign up here:

SearchOrgPsych Email Sign-Up External

Turn data collection into an experience with Typeform. Create beautiful online forms, surveys, quizzes, and so much more. Try it for FREE.

eau4gh1n480.typeform.com

1

0

14

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

When we experience stress, our sympathetic nervous system kicks into high gear. This triggers the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol These hormones prepare our body for "fight or flight."

1

2

14

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

Examine Your Expectations We're bombarded with opinions about what the ideal social life should look like. It's easy to feel like we're failing or missing out.

1

0

13

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

Effective time management can go a long way in reducing stress. You can: • Prioritize tasks based on importance • Break large projects into smaller, manageable steps • Delegate or say no when necessary Feeling in control of your time can lower stress levels.

1

14

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

Next, focus on relaxation techniques to calm your body's stress response. This can include: • Deep breathing exercises • Meditation or yoga • Engaging in hobbies or activities you enjoy Taking breaks to relax is crucial for managing stress.

1

2

13

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

Optimism is another powerful weapon against stress. Focus on what you can control, rather than worrying about things you can't. Practice gratitude by regularly reflecting on the positive aspects of your life. Cultivate a hopeful outlook for the future.

1

13

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

Healing from loneliness is a non-linear journey. It’ll be one of the hardest things you ever have to do. Be patient and gentle with yourself. Know you are not alone, and that this too, will pass.

6

3

12

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

10 months

The best leaders in the world all follow this one key to empathetic leadership. What it is and how you can leverage it (in 2 minutes):

1

5

12

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

8 months

92% of people don’t achieve their goals. Failing to achieve a goal is painful. Here is why you should focus on values over goals:

3

7

13

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

Even cortisol which is widely perceived as negative, has short-term benefits. It reduces inflammation in the body and helps heal wounds. However, chronic stress is a different story.

1

0

12

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

9 months

According to the CDC, 49,000 people died by suicide in 2022...in the US alone. Men were 4x likely to commit suicide than women. Here are 2 crucial warning signs people keep missing:

3

4

10

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

8 months

I wrote a book to teach you how to manage change and maintain performance in the workplace. My consulting clients have used these gems to: • Become better at utilizing their control styles • Be adaptive to change • Build high-performing teams I’m giving PDF copies of my book

6

1

11

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

8 months

Ineffective leadership is the result of rigidity in your control style. Authoritarian leaders default to a state of over-control. They are hyper-motivated by the desire to perform efficiently and successfully.

1

4

10

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

When our body is constantly flooded with stress hormones, it takes a toll on our health. Chronic stress can lead to: • High blood pressure • Anxiety and depression • Brain damage So, how can we apply Selye's research to beat stress in our own lives?

1

2

10

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

9 months

STOP creating your own anxiety. Steal this Anxiety Circles cheat sheet to see where you fall (and where you should be): There are 2 types of anxiety circles: • Common • Ideal

1

3

10

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

But not all stress is bad. Acute stress can actually be beneficial: • Increases alertness and memory • Mobilizes the immune system • Provides energy through adrenaline

1

0

10

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

A healthy lifestyle is also key for managing stress It means: • Eating a balanced, nutritious diet • Staying hydrated • Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake • Getting enough quality sleep When your body is well-nourished and rested, you're better equipped to handle stress.

2

1

10

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

8 months

I created a ton of resources to help you use psychology as a superweapon to succeed at work. These have helped 100s of top executives: • Become better leaders • Manage their anxiety • Make better decisions

1

2

9

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

Beating stress is a lifelong journey, not a one-time activity. It requires ongoing effort and commitment. In the words of Selye, “It’s not stress that kills us but our reaction to it.”

1

9

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

8 months

My Founder and Leader Academy has helped dozens of leaders understand how to get more out of their team and themselves. It has 7 modules:

2

9

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

GAS has three stages: 1. Alarm reaction 2. Adaptation 3. Exhaustion Selye discovered that stress causes adrenal enlargement, ulcers in the digestive tract, and shrinking of lymph nodes.

1

0

9

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

8 months

The #1 problem in your workplace: Lack of alignment. Alignment under a shared goal between 2 parties starts with each person stating their goal and explaining the why behind it. The why helps establish the benefits each person feels their goal achieves.

1

4

8

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

Taking regular breaks is also crucial for keeping stress at bay. Make time for activities that you find relaxing or enjoyable. This could be for a walk or reading a good book. Prioritizing leisure time helps you recharge and return to stressors with a fresh perspective.

1

8

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

P.S. Join 500+ company builders, psychologists, and coaches/consultants for our weekly newsletter. Sign up here:

SearchOrgPsych Email Sign-Up External

Turn data collection into an experience with Typeform. Create beautiful online forms, surveys, quizzes, and so much more. Try it for FREE.

eau4gh1n480.typeform.com

1

0

8

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

1 year

@FitFounder Completely agree @FitFounder -I have a psychotherapy caseload and one of the things I notice with some of the most highly anxious individuals is their baseline like walking and getting outside is almost completely neglected. It double down, it’s often looked at as a “too easy” of

0

7

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

Stress may be inevitable, but it doesn't have to control your life. By understanding stress theory and implementing effective coping strategies, you can beat stress and always be tapped into your full potential.

2

0

7

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

Zimbardo wanted to investigate the psychological effects of perceived power. So, he set up a mock prison in the basement of the Stanford psychology building. 24 students were recruited and randomly assigned to be either "Guards" or "Prisoners."

1

0

7

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

9 months

Workplace stress costs US businesses $300 BILLION every year. 7 theories on how to cure it (hint, it’s not more vacations): Workplace stress is a modern-day plague. 48% of employees say their stress levels at work are high or extremely high.

3

2

6

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

9 months

The best cure for high employee turnover is NOT higher salaries (or more vacations). Instead, adopt these 5 strategies to decrease your turnover by up to 50%: Retention is critical.

2

6

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

Over 5 million people die from stress every year. An even higher number of physical and mental breakdowns are caused by it. But the truth is, you cannot build a meaningful life without experiencing stress. That’s why it’s important to know how to counter it.

1

3

7

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

8 months

Workplace bullying costs US organizations $300 billion annually in: • Turnover • Absenteeism • Lost productivity • Increased medical costs 3 key steps to stop workplace bullying:

1

3

7

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

In 1971, psychologist Philip Zimbardo conducted a controversial study at Stanford University. Little did he know, it would become one of the most infamous experiments in the history of psychology.

1

0

6

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

10 months

Disengaged employees cost the U.S. $450-$500 BILLION in lost productivity. The first step to solving this problem is awareness. Find out if your employees are disengaged with these 3 questions:

2

6

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

The Stanford Prison Experiment is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power. It shows how easily people can abuse their authority when given free rein. Even "good" people can succumb to toxic behavior in the wrong environment.

1

6

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

Before long, the participants internalized their roles. At first, the prisoners rebelled against authority. But the guards quickly fought back. They used fire extinguishers, stripped the prisoners naked, and threw them in solitary confinement. However, it didn’t end there.

1

0

6

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

1 year

@MindTendencies2 We so often project our own insecurities so much that when we're faced with someone with a high level of EQ and accountability... we can still get defensive. Food for thought.

0

4

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

8 months

43% of daily behaviors occur habitually. It takes 66 days for a new behavior to become a habit. Here are 7 steps to build better habits:

1

4

6

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

P.S. Join 500+ company builders, psychologists, and coaches/consultants for our weekly newsletter. Sign up here:

SearchOrgPsych Email Sign-Up External

Turn data collection into an experience with Typeform. Create beautiful online forms, surveys, quizzes, and so much more. Try it for FREE.

eau4gh1n480.typeform.com

0

4

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

As the guards exerted more control, the prisoners started to break down. They became anxious and emotionally distressed. Some even had to be removed from the study early due to psychological trauma. It was obvious the guards were getting carried away with their newfound power.

1

0

5

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

Before we continue… Join 500+ company builders, psychologists, and coaches/consultants for our weekly newsletter. Sign up here: Now, let’s dive back in:

SearchOrgPsych Email Sign-Up External

Turn data collection into an experience with Typeform. Create beautiful online forms, surveys, quizzes, and so much more. Try it for FREE.

eau4gh1n480.typeform.com

1

0

5

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

10 months

Harsh truth: There are no winners in an argument. Here are 2 concepts to successfully navigate interpersonal conflict:

1

5

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

Prisoners were arrested at their homes and brought to the mock prison. They were stripped, searched, and given prison uniforms Guards were also given uniforms, whistles, and handcuffs. They were told to do anything to keep the peace, except use violence. How did that turn out?

1

0

5

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

8 months

Furthermore, there were no differences in activity between the interview and the improv session. This suggests the brain and body respond the same to rejection, whether real or fictional. Improv simulates real life but is entirely fictional.

2

0

5

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

Another key factor in the guards' behavior was deindividuation. The uniforms and mirrored sunglasses made the guards feel anonymous. They no longer felt like they were acting as individuals, but as parts of a system.

1

0

5

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

7 months

Eventually, the power dynamics shifted completely with the prisoners becoming passive and depressed. But even Zimbardo himself who acted as the prison warden, got caught up in his role. He refused to intervene.

1

0

5

Spencer R. Potesta

@SpencerRPotesta

8 months

The interviewer purposefully devalued what they said about themselves by interrupting them, frowning, and looking bored. There were no differences in psychophysical activity between the 2 groups.

1

0

5