Dan and Michael go to Therapy
In this episode, Dan and Michael explore the limits of psychology, the decline of social gatherings among young Americans, and the role of alcohol as a social lubricant. They discuss the rise of chatbot therapy and its implications for self-reflection, as well as the complexities of fandom and the nature of suffering in sports. The conversation also delves into the historical roots of therapy in shamanism and the politics of sports fandom, ultimately questioning the future of therapy and psychology in a rapidly changing society.
Sound bites
"Alcohol is a social lubricant."
"Fandom is about shared suffering."
"Psychology can't critique society."
Takeaways
Psychology often prioritizes individual adjustment over societal critique.
The decline of social gatherings among young Americans is alarming.
Alcohol serves as a social lubricant, facilitating interactions.
Chatbot therapy raises questions about the nature of self-reflection.
Fandom is deeply tied to shared suffering and community.
Therapy has historical roots in shamanistic practices.
The politics of sports fandom can be complex and contradictory.
Suffering is a common thread in both fandom and therapy.
Psychology struggles with replicability and cultural specificity.
Therapists can be seen as modern-day shamans.
References
In this episode, we mention and/or are influenced by the following:
An article on the decline of partying: https://www.derekthompson.org/p/the-death-of-partying-in-the-usaand?
Beastie Boys -- You Gotta Fight For Your Right To Party https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBShN8qT4lk
Karen V. Hansen -- "A Very Social Time: Crafting Community in Antebellum New England." University of California Press, 1994.
Claude Levi-Strauss "The Effectiveness of Symbols"
