logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2019
14m 57s

Our dangerous quest to perfect ourselves...

TED
About this episode
Social psychologist Thomas Curran explores how the pressure to be perfect -- in our social media feeds, in school, at work -- is driving a rise in mental illness, especially among young people. Learn more about the causes of this phenomenon and how we can create a culture that celebrates the joys of imperfection.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Today
Tax the rich — and save the planet | Esther Duflo
Nobel Prize-winning economist Esther Duflo brings her data-driven precision to the climate crisis — and the numbers are damning. While world leaders haggle over finances at endless summits, rising temperatures will kill millions in the poorest countries by the end of this century ... Show More
12m 5s
Yesterday
A pastry chef works his chocolatier magic — live | Amaury Guichon
Get a taste of the chocolatier life from world-renowned pastry chef Amaury Guichon as he shares his story — and the secrets of his craft — with podcaster Latif Nasser. Learn what it takes to construct elaborate, lifelike (and delicious) sculptures from 100 percent confectionery i ... Show More
11m 21s
Oct 13
The flourishing future of women's sports | Kate Johnson
Women's sports are surging in popularity around the world, with record-breaking viewership, attendance and revenue growth. And yet, social media algorithms still skew towards covering men's sports. Olympic rower Kate Johnson, who now leads global marketing strategy for sports and ... Show More
14m 12s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2023
114. Is Perfectionism Ruining Your Life?
Psychologist Thomas Curran argues that perfectionism isn’t about high standards — it’s about never being enough. He explains how the drive to be perfect is harming education, the economy, and our mental health. 
58m 30s
Aug 2023
Insights on Mental Health, Identity, and Resilience with Andrew Solomon
In this conversation, mental health advocate Andrew Solomon challenges societal norms and explores the complex relationship between depression and identity. Andrew also strives to uncover the delicate balance between suffering and growth in his thought-provoking exploration of th ... Show More
1h 6m
Apr 2021
Social Psychology Won't Save Us
When it comes to proposed solutions to life's problems, whether on an individual or societal scale, the four most commonly used words these days are "According to a study . . . " This phrase is used by journalists and media outlets; we certainly use it a lot in AoM articles. And ... Show More
40m 41s
Nov 2022
Digging Deeper on Perfectionism
Many high performers go through their working lives struggling with perfectionism and not even realizing it - or not understanding why they have such a need to achieve. In this episode, we continue the conversation around the roots of perfectionism, how to know if it is a problem ... Show More
54m 42s
Aug 2023
Gwyneth Paltrow x Thomas Curran: The Social Psychology of Perfectionism
Thomas Curran is a social and personality psychologist, a professor at the London School of Economics, and the author of The Perfection Trap. He joins GP today to talk about the psychology of perfectionism, its effect on a broader scale, and how being vulnerable can move us forwa ... Show More
55m 59s
Jun 2024
Understanding the Science of the Mind with Paul Bloom
In this episode, Paul Bloom, delves into the importance of understanding the science of the mind. He explains the psychological benefits of balancing pleasure and values and also the impact of upbringing versus genetics on behavior. Paul's work captures the intricate nature of hu ... Show More
45m 48s
Sep 2023
34 — Stop Being a Perfectionist and Embrace Your Imperfections with Professor Thomas Curran
Perfectionism takes a serious toll on your mental health and well-being. It's often driven by the fear of not being good enough and involves a desire to get validation from others. It often leads to anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Fortunately, there are some things that can ... Show More
44m 29s
May 2024
How Smartphones Are Rewiring Our Brains, Why Social Media is Eradicating Childhood & The Truth About The Mental Health Epidemic with Jonathan Haidt #456
Today’s episode is about a topic that I am truly passionate about - the introduction of social media and smartphones into all aspects of our lives - and what impact this is having on us individually, collectively and, perhaps most urgently, what impact is this having on our child ... Show More
2h 4m
Jun 2024
Jonathan Haidt: Why Social Media Has Caused a Collapse in Mental Health & #1 Way to Solve Your Anxiety
How are smartphones linked to anxiety? What mental health issues are linked to excessive social media use? Today, let's welcome Jonathan Haidt is a renowned social psychologist, professor at New York University’s Stern School of Business, and a widely published author. He is know ... Show More
1h 22m