Bookclub:

First off, I started an online bookclub!! Join here if your interested in a bi-monthly bookclub 📖 to read and share thoughts on contemporary fiction ✨, romance 💘, classic 👒 and mystery 🔍 books!!

This weeks thoughts:

Ok, so I think we have all been down the Buzzfeed quiz spiral of ‘Build your dream house and we will tell you the first letter of your soulmate’ or ‘Pick a food and we will tell you what your secret superpower is’. But why is it so addicting when we all know that it’s all kinda nonsense?

My theory:

I think we all (at least on a subconscious level) like the idea of having a secret kinda fate that is predetermined by everyday parts of ourselves like our personality, preferences, actions etc. It also then lifts the pressure of having to make the right decisions or choices, whilst also reaffirming or guiding our own perception of ourselves.

This defined sense of self then leads us to want to be understood which can be seen in our love and intrigue for the 16 personality types, enneagram numbers, star signs etc.

Segway: The Barnum Effect

So along this train of thought is ‘The Barnum Effect’, which is the tendency to believe that generic information (that could apply to anyone) is specifically about ourselves. For example, these are some of todays horoscopes:

• Today’s Virgo horoscope: You feel a little tired from taking on so much responsibility. You don't feel as refreshed as you should be. It's lovely to help others, but this is no time to sacrifice your health.

• Today’s Sagittarius horoscope: You want to restore the connection between yourself and a dear companion. Assuming that the relationship has become frayed or you're at this point not in touch, have a go at making something happen.

• Today’s Aquarius horoscope: You find solace in returning to some previous environment. If that gave you more satisfaction, try to find a way back. It could be a sanctuary or place that gives you peace and equilibrium.

Do you feel like at least one of these relates to you directly? That’s the Barnum Effect.

Conclusion:

There’s nothing wrong with liking Buzzfeed quizzes or MBTI or googling what star sign is most compatible with ur Libra rising. In fact, the scarily accurate advice may be a good thing for u to take onboard, or at the very least, be something to laugh and poke fun at; just don’t make it your entire personality…

Side note of what I’ve been listening to

I have recently found a podcast called ‘Today Explained’ by Vox which has rly interesting episodes explaining daily news. Here r some of their most recent one’s:

Hannah Gadsby and “Pablo-matic” Picasso

A cancer vaccine?

How wellness killed Jenny Craig

Hope you have a meaningful week

C