In the past several decades, societies have immortalised individualism. Indeed, research suggests that individualistic practices are on the rise! Yet people frown upon traits that promote self-interest, such as those included in the Dark Triad: Machiavellianism, narcissism and psychopathy. However, if dark personality traits are socially toxic, why are they on the rise in modern societies? In this interactive talk, Dr Kostas Papageorgiou of Queen’s University Belfast will present findings to suggest that dark personalities are neither bad nor good - they are adaptive or maladaptive, depending on the context. The discussion will also focus on cultural influences on human personality and gender differences in dark personality traits.

Age guidance: 14+