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    217. What Happens When You Put on a Costume?

    Discussion on ethical issues such as online identity disclosure and stealing Halloween candy features a panel including university professors and journalists, with insights from psychology studies, paranormal historian, and 20th-century author.

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    en-usOctober 27, 2024
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    In the Halloween-themed episode entitled "What Happens When You Put on a Costume?" from the podcast No Stupid Questions, hosts Angela Duckworth and Mike Mon dive into the fascinating psychology behind wearing disguises, the history of Halloween, and the implications of anonymity.

    The History of Halloween Costumes

    Halloween is often seen as a day of fun and costumes, but its origins are steeped in ancient traditions. The hosts explore how:

    • Halloween dates back over 2,000 years to the Celtic festival of Samhain, marking the transition to the darker half of the year.
    • Traditionally, people wore costumes to blend in and avoid being recognized by malevolent spirits.
    • Christian influences transformed All Hallows Eve into the modern Halloween we know today, evolving from a holiday of fear to one of family-friendly festivities.

    Personal Reflections on Costumes

    Angela shares her unique childhood experience of trick-or-treating in a trash bag, reflecting on her desire to fit in as an American kid despite her immigrant family's nonparticipation in Halloween traditions. She and Mike both discuss:

    • Their own lack of enthusiasm for dressing up as adults versus their appreciation for the joy of Halloween as parents.
    • This episode serves as a reminder of the personal significance and emotional connection many people have with costumes, highlighting both joyful and comedic experiences.

    The Psychology of Disguise

    The conversation leads to a deeper analysis of the psychological effects of wearing costumes:

    • Deindividuation: A concept explained by notable psychologist Edward Diener; anonymity can lead individuals to act in ways they typically wouldn't, as evidenced by a 1976 study where children trick-or-treating were more likely to steal candy when they felt anonymous as a group.
    • Enclothed Cognition: Another study referenced was conducted by Hajo Adam and Adam Galinsky, which demonstrated that what we wear can impact our thoughts and behaviors. Wearing a white lab coat, for example, increased participants' attentiveness compared to wearing a painter's smock, showcasing how clothing can trigger different psychological states.

    Key Findings:

    • Anonymity Can Lead to Negative Behavior: The Halloween experiment showed that children who were not individually identified when trick-or-treating were more prone to stealing.
    • Clothing Influences Mindset: The perception of clothing plays a crucial role in how individuals perform tasks, with the implication that costumes may change how one sees themselves.

    Anonymity in Online Spaces

    The hosts also tie these ideas back to modern discussions surrounding online behavior:

    • Anonymous Self-Expression vs. Anonymous Toxicity: While anonymity can foster creativity and honest self-expression, it can also lead to negative behaviors, including harassment.
    • The Real Name Fallacy: Nathan Matias' research suggests that forcing individuals to use real names online may paradoxically lead to increased discrimination and harassment.

    Cultural Implications

    Angela and Mike discuss how the concept of masks and anonymity applies not only to Halloween but also in broader social contexts:

    • Workplace Feedback: Anonymity in workplace surveys can encourage honest feedback but can also create a culture where open dialogue is discouraged.
    • Self-Identity and Industry Norms: They reflect on how societal norms around clothing have evolved, noting the shift from formal dress to more casual attire in professional settings.

    Conclusion

    The episode offers valuable insights into how costumes affect our behavior and perceptions, both historically and in modern society. The discussion underscores that:

    • Costumes can liberate individuals, allowing for playful self-expression.
    • They can also reveal deeper psychological truths about identity, moral behavior, and social norms.

    Ultimately, the hosts invite listeners to reflect on their experiences with costumes and how the act of dressing up—or down—affects their own life and identity. As Halloween approaches, this episode serves as an intriguing exploration of the hidden meanings behind what we wear and how it influences who we are.

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