27 Comments
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Nesrin Eruysal's avatar

I’ve decided to go with Depth Psychology and the Digital Age. My conviction is that as we build more complex external intelligence, we risk losing touch with our internal maps. If we don't integrate Depth Psychology into this new era, we won't just use AI—we’ll get lost in its labyrinths.

Aaron Balick's avatar

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!

Miffa Salter's avatar

Meditations on Mind and Machine

Aaron Balick's avatar

Ooh, I like it!

Dianne Levene's avatar

Yep I agree with Nesrin. And it makes it clear what to expect from the newsletter.

Leslie's avatar

Take out "Depth." That's already implied. Or, "Psychology of Navigating AI."

Lester Picker's avatar

I'm not certain how adding "Depth Psychology..." would advance your goals. Looking at it from a strictly marketing angle, just titling it "Psychology in the Digital Age" would attract broadly curious minds and potentially keep them as subscribers as they better understand the depth in which you explore the important subjects you cover. Those who already susbscribe and value your approach (count me in that group) probably won't care what you title your Substack.

Aaron Balick's avatar

Thanks for the input (and @Leslie too with similar!). My sticking point here is that “psychology” is a very general term, and my USP, as it were, is the application of insight-oriented psychology that includes the unconscious as it’s primary vehicle for understanding. I’m trying to distinguish my approach for consumer, experimental, and behavioural psychology which are most popularly applied to things like tech. It’s really important for me to communicate this element as a priority - and it’s a difficult problem to solve! Perhaps I will have to leave that to the subtitle.

Eric Elkins's avatar

I like Dispatches from the Mediated Mind!

Kate Dunn's avatar

How about 'Tech on the couch'? (Probably doesn't give enough info, and I have voted for 'The Digital Unconscious')

Aaron Balick's avatar

I like it in general - but there’s too many things “on the couch” at the moment I think.

Kate Dunn's avatar

Ha - I know what you mean. Currently there are 2 cats on my couch!

Aaron Balick's avatar

And my dog. But he’s not being psychoanalysed (though he might be psychoanalysing me).

Giselle's avatar

Psychodynamic Evolution

(Optional colon with additional context could be added)

Personally, I also like Nesrin’s suggestion.

Aaron Balick's avatar

Throwing some Darwin and sophisticated grammar into the game are we?

Giselle's avatar

It was going to just be, “Goats” 😉

Anna Harvey's avatar

The three (t)ecologies of mind

Anna Harvey's avatar

actually I may use that myself lol

Aaron Balick's avatar

Copyright that shit!

Anna Harvey's avatar

ONTO IT RIGHT NOW LOL

Lucy B's avatar

Where Mind and Machine Meet

Aaron Balick's avatar

Sounds like an AI companion dating app!

Jo Bisseker Barr's avatar

Hi Aaron,

As a psychodynamic therapist, I recognise I'm in a niche minority so my sense of having connected with another family-member and being sad that you will be losing that title probably isn't valuable! 😊

I would favour one of the last two, if I had to choose. Maybe slightly more warm and cuddly than that others?!

Aaron Balick's avatar

I’m with you sister! But it’s a marketing disaster for the entry level psychologically curious.

Jo Bisseker Barr's avatar

I admit to feeling a little perplexed as to what 'applied psychodynamics' is. My guess is - it's how you use our theory in the world to think about the things you outline in your areas of coverage in your substack posts?!

In my mind, psychodynamic theory can be applied almost everywhere. It should be taught in schools. Who won't benefit from understanding how our early attachments shape us, how we use blueprints for early experience in our subsequent relationships - and that babies and children need to feel secure, thought about, held in mind by key, loving care-givers?! 🏆✨

Aaron Balick's avatar

Hi Jo, yes, this is the problem with the title! It is just that, how you apply psychoanalytic or “depth psychology” outside the clinic - to society, culture, tech, etc. The trouble is that it’s jargony - and it puts people off who don’t understand what that means - and it’s putting off some pretty smart people so that’s why I’m looking to change it.

Jo Bisseker Barr's avatar

Hmmmm... I've just gone back to your original options - and see there's a clear winner! The trouble is, I'm left a bit befuddled as to my own thoughts now - but I'm still sticking with the final two! (one of which has 0% votes 😆)

I wonder if you are feeling befuddled too?

Which one did you like best?

Do you agree with the winning title of Dispatches from the Mediated Mind?!