Growth Mindset Psychology: The Science of Self-Improvement

Surrounded by Conformists: How to spot the 5 types of NPC and think your own thoughts - [Psychology of non-player characters]

Jan 27, 2026
They unpack five types of NPC thinking like conformists, contrarians, disciples, tribalists, and averagers. They examine why our brains prefer shortcuts and how media, tribes, and gurus steer opinions. They highlight when skepticism becomes conspiracy and offer ways to choose where to think deeply.
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INSIGHT

Brains Prefer Cheap Thinking

  • The brain uses System 1 shortcuts because conscious processing is energy expensive and limited.
  • This makes modern information environments prime territory for automated, predictable thinking.
INSIGHT

Consensus Feels Like Reward

  • Conformists adopt mainstream consensus as a cognitive shortcut and defend it without tracing the evidence.
  • Social agreement activates reward centers, making consensus feel pleasurable and self-reinforcing.
ANECDOTE

Media Skewed Perceptions Of Police Killings

  • Sam gives a data example showing Americans overestimate police shootings of Black people due to media framing.
  • He contrasts perceived thousands with 2023 data: 249 Black and 499 White people killed by police.
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