This week’s must-reads: Venting your feelings may feel good but it may make things worse

In my work as a behavioral designer, I come across important stories on how psychology influences our behavior. Every week, I share my round-up of the most important stories at the intersection of psychology, technology and business. I hope you enjoy them!

Does Venting Your Feelings Actually Help? (Greater Good) While letting your negative emotions out may feel good in the moment, science suggests it might make matters worse in the long run.

Can We Regulate Social Networks To Curb Addiction — Without Making Them Suck? [AUDIO] (Podcast) Social networks can help addicted users while leaving the rest of us alone. If they wanted to.

The Positive Side of Negative Emotions (Stanford Business) The mental judo known as “cognitive reappraisal’ — minimizing the emotional impact of bad situations — can be good for the soul but bad for the firm.

IQ tests can’t measure it, but ‘cognitive flexibility’ is key to learning and creativity (The Conversation) Some of the greatest achievements by humans have primarily relied on qualities such as creativity, imagination, curiosity, and empathy.

How to Work Hard (Paul Graham) Working hard is not just a dial you turn up to 11. It’s a complicated, dynamic system that has to be turned just right at each point.

Stuck in a Rut? Sometimes Joy Takes a Little Practice (NPR) Psychologists say you can improve your well-being if you recognize moments of positive feelings, value them and seek them out more often.

Happy reading!

- Nir