What's Up Docs? Daily Dose: Hanger
Jan 15, 2026
Explore the intriguing phenomenon of hanger with insights from Professor Viren Swami. Discover how hunger can influence emotions, but not always lead to anger. Learn about affect labeling and how naming feelings helps us navigate mood shifts. The discussion reveals that hunger can warp perceptions, making usual behaviors seem unbearable. Tune in for a witty take on a relatable experience, blending science with everyday life!
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Morning Squabble Over Breakfast
- Xand teases Chris for being cranky because he only drank black coffee.
- Chris insists he's not hangry, highlighting how everyday moments reveal hanger in family life.
Hunger Alters Perception
- Hunger can change how you interpret your environment and make you more prone to irritability.
- Being hungry doesn't always cause anger; context and perception determine whether you become hangry.
Hanger Is Real But Not Inevitable
- Experiments show 'hanger' exists outside the lab but is not inevitable for every hungry person.
- Contextual cues and pleasant stimuli can prevent hunger from producing aggression.