Psychology
What was the Slenderman stabbing case and what is happening with Morgan Geyser now?
The Slenderman case involved Morgan Geyser who, at age 12, along with friends, stabbed a classmate 19 times to impress a fictional online character called Slenderman. The victim barely survived this shocking attack perpetrated by her own friends. Now 22 years old, Morgan Geyser recently appeared in a Wisconsin courtroom where she was granted a chance for release from a mental health facility. After spending nearly a decade institutionalized, her case raises important questions about juvenile crime, mental health treatment, and rehabilitation.
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ABC News
02:25 - 02:51
What is Morgan Geyser seeking in court and why?
Morgan Geyser is seeking release from the Winnebago Mental Health Institute where she has been held for over a decade. Through her attorney, she is arguing that she no longer presents the same risk to society that she did as a 12-year-old when she participated in the brutal attack on her friend. The case gained national attention when Morgan and another 12-year-old girl lured their friend into the woods and stabbed her on behalf of a mythical figure named Slenderman. Now appearing in court as an adult, Morgan's defense maintains she has undergone significant rehabilitation and no longer poses a threat to public safety.
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ABC News
02:53 - 03:34
How does a Palestinian resident feel upon returning to Gaza after being displaced?
The Palestinian returnee experiences a complex blend of emotions that are difficult to articulate. As expressed in his own words, 'I cannot describe my feelings. It's mixed. Pain, grief, mixed with joy.' This powerful testimony reveals the emotional complexity of returning to a homeland devastated by conflict. Despite witnessing overwhelming destruction and loss in Gaza, the resident still finds a sense of joy in reconnecting with his roots. This contradictory emotional state highlights the profound bond Palestinians maintain with their homeland, even when faced with the harsh realities of war's aftermath and the daunting prospect of rebuilding their lives.
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Al Jazeera English
01:19 - 01:25
How should we view humanity's current state in terms of our evolutionary development and societal progress?
According to the discussion, humans represent "a grand evolutionary experiment" that is still actively unfolding. This perspective suggests that our species is in a continuous process of adaptation and development, both biologically and socially. The conversation implies that our current psychological mechanisms, survival instincts, and reproductive drives are all part of this ongoing experimental phase of human evolution. Rather than viewing ourselves as a finished product, we should understand that humanity is still figuring out how to navigate complex modern challenges like political discourse, media influence, and societal pressures. This evolutionary lens provides a framework for understanding why humans struggle with issues like misinformation and political polarization - we're essentially using ancient psychological tools to navigate completely new societal landscapes.
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VICE News
14:20 - 14:22
Why does the Moon appear larger when it's positioned on the horizon compared to when it's high in the sky?
The Moon horizon illusion is likely explained by the Ponzo illusion, where our visual perception is influenced by our experience with distant objects. Throughout our lives, we observe that objects like clouds, planes, and ships appear to shrink as they move toward the horizon. However, the Moon maintains its actual size regardless of its position in the sky. To reconcile this inconsistency, our minds compensate by making the Moon appear larger when it's at the horizon. While this is a popular hypothesis among several theories involving atmospheric effects and cognitive biases, scientists are still conducting research to reach a definitive consensus on this fascinating optical phenomenon.
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NASA
00:38 - 01:08
Why does the Moon appear larger when it's on the horizon compared to when it's high in the sky?
The Moon appearing larger on the horizon is primarily an optical illusion rather than a physical phenomenon. Contrary to common assumptions, the Moon is actually about 1.5% farther away when on the horizon and atmospheric refraction slightly compresses its appearance rather than magnifying it. This same illusion affects constellations, which also appear larger near the horizon. The phenomenon has puzzled scientists since Aristotle's time, and while atmospheric effects have been ruled out as the primary cause, researchers continue investigating how our visual perception and psychological factors contribute to this enduring celestial mystery.
Watch clip answer (00:13m)NASA
00:25 - 00:38