What Sigmund Freud Can Teach You About Using WordPress Plugins
If Freud were alive today, he’d probably have a lot to say about the way we navigate the digital world. And if he saw how often his brainchild—psychoanalysis—gets mocked on the internet, he might just throw in the towel altogether.
But despite the memes and skepticism, Freud’s theories still have a lot to teach us—not just about the human psyche, but about something as seemingly unrelated as WordPress plugins. Sounds like a stretch? Stick with me.
Freud’s Psyche and Your Website’s Functionality
Freud famously divided the mind into three parts:
- Id – the primal, impulsive part of us that just wants what it wants.
- Ego – the rational mediator, balancing desires with reality.
- Super-Ego – the moral compass, reminding us to do the right thing.
Now, let’s apply that to website building.
- Id: “I want my website to make tons of money!”
- Ego: “I need to build a solid, engaging platform to attract and retain users.”
- Super-Ego: “I should ensure my website is inclusive and valuable to others.”
WordPress plugins? They’re the Ego of this equation—the tools that bridge the gap between raw ambition and structured execution. They don’t have personal ambition or ethical concerns; they’re just code, cold and logical, helping to transform chaotic ideas into functional reality. Let’s break that down.
So, What Exactly Are WordPress Plugins?
Think of plugins as little bundles of pre-written code that extend the functionality of your WordPress site. Instead of manually coding every feature, you can install a plugin in just a few clicks. Need an online store? WooCommerce has you covered. Want a slick image gallery? Try Envira Gallery. Need better SEO? Yoast SEO is your friend.
Essentially, plugins let you turn an ordinary WordPress site into whatever you need—a shop, a portfolio, a membership site, a booking system. The possibilities are endless, but here’s the catch: with great power comes great responsibility.
The Pleasure-Pain Principle of Plugins
Freud’s Pleasure Principle suggests that humans seek pleasure and avoid pain. Sounds simple, right? But as any WordPress user will tell you, working with plugins can be a rollercoaster of both.
Nothing feels better than finding the perfect plugin that does exactly what you need. But when things go wrong? Anxiety, frustration, maybe even rage-quitting. Here are some of the most common plugin headaches and how to deal with them:
1. The Plugin Is No Longer Supported
Just like people, plugins don’t live forever. Developers move on, businesses shift priorities, and suddenly, your once-reliable plugin hasn’t been updated in years. Even if it still works, it could become a security risk.
Solution: Start hunting for a replacement. Check out premium options, or—if you’re really attached—hire a developer to update it (though be warned, this can get expensive).
2. The Dreaded White Screen of Death
One minute, everything is fine. The next? A blank, lifeless screen. No error message, no clues—just digital oblivion.
Solution: First, increase your PHP memory limit by editing your wp-config.php file. If that doesn’t work, disable all plugins and reactivate them one by one to find the culprit.
3. Plugin Conflicts and Theme Issues
Ever installed a plugin only to have your site start acting weird? Maybe your theme and plugin just don’t get along.
Solution: Deactivate recent plugins one by one to pinpoint the troublemaker. If necessary, switch to a default WordPress theme to see if the issue persists.
4. Can’t Add Plugins?
New to WordPress and can’t figure out why you can’t install plugins? You might be using WordPress.com instead of WordPress.org.
Solution: Only WordPress.org users have full plugin freedom. If you’re on WordPress.com, you’ll need a Business Plan to install plugins—and even then, your options are limited.
Where to Find (Safe) Plugins
The best place to find reliable plugins is the official WordPress Plugin Directory, which boasts over 50,000 options. But if you’re willing to invest in premium plugins, check out trusted marketplaces like:
- CodeCanyon
- MOJO Marketplace
- Creative Market
Just remember: downloading plugins from shady sources is a great way to get hacked. Stick to reputable developers and always check reviews before installing.
WordPress: A Relic Like Freud?
Freud’s theories have been debated, dismissed, and reinterpreted over the years—but psychoanalysis still has its place. Likewise, WordPress has been around for ages (in internet years, at least—18 and counting), and while it’s not perfect, it remains the go-to CMS for millions.
Sure, it has its downsides:
- Duplicate pages and images can pile up.
- Unverified plugins and themes can introduce security risks.
- Basic features are limited without plugins.
- Too many plugins can slow your site down.
But despite these drawbacks, WordPress remains an unbeatable option for small and medium-sized businesses. It’s affordable, widely supported, and incredibly flexible.
At the end of the day, the choice between a custom-built site and WordPress comes down to your needs. But one thing is clear: just like Freud’s theories helped us understand the mind, WordPress plugins help us shape the web—one site at a time.