Emily Kitazawa, Author at Shortform Books

What Causes Inequality? Analyzing the 3 Leading Theories

What causes inequality in the world? Why are some countries prosperous while others struggle to survive? In Why Nations Fail, economist Daron Acemoglu and political scientist James A. Robinson argue that current theories on national failure are flawed. They further explain that successful nations have political and economic institutions that are “open” while failing nations have “exclusive” institutions. Read on to learn what really causes inequality and why the top theories are flawed, according to Acemoglu and Robinson.

How an Abundance Mentality Leads to Addiction (+Solution)

What is one of the biggest problems we face in society? How has abundance become an issue? Checking social media, eating junk food, or binging shows and movies on streaming platforms are some of the potentially addictive behaviors created by abundance in industrial society, according to addiction expert Anna Lembke. In her book, Dopamine Nation, she explores how to defeat an abundance mentality. Read on to learn why abundance leads to overindulgence and the solution to an abundance mentality, according to Lembke.

How Elected Authoritarians Threaten the End of Democracy

Why are people concerned that the end of democracy might be near? What’s causing the “democratic recession”? According to experts, some of today’s world leaders are beginning to chip away at democratic norms. Labeled as authoritarians, these leaders threaten to end democracy by feeding into societal dissatisfaction with the political climate. Keep reading to learn why the end of democracy could be on the horizon and what the future holds.

Why Do Nations Fail? Acemoglu & Robinson Explain

Why do nations fail? Why do some countries succeed? What factors determine success or failure? Why Nations Fail by economist Daron Acemoglu and political scientist James A. Robinson creates a theory to explain international inequality. Their book explains why some nations “fail” and are poor, unstable, and have low standards of living, while others “succeed” and are wealthy and stable. Keep reading to learn why some nations fail while others enjoy success, according to Acemoglu and Robinson.

How to Feel More Satisfied With Life: Tips From a Psychiatrist

Want to know how to feel more satisfied with life? Why do people turn to overindulgence when they’re bored or unhappy? What advice do psychologists offer? Anna Lembke wrote her self-help book, Dopamine Nation, to introduce readers to the concept and consequences of overindulgence and abundance in society. According to her, you can live a more satisfying life by breaking overindulgent habits and forming truly satisfying habits instead. Keep reading to learn how to feel more satisfied with life, based on Lembke’s advice.

How Privacy Advocates Are Battling Big Tech

What are the purpose and mission of privacy advocates? Why are they chiefly concerned with big tech companies? In The Age of Surveillance Capitalism, Shoshana Zuboff explores the concept of “surveillance capitalism”—a term she created to describe the invasive and controlling data collection practices of tech giants. She warns of the potentially disastrous outcomes for our society if we don’t advocate for change in this area. Keep reading to learn how Zuboff says privacy advocates are fighting back against surveillance capitalism.

Problems of Renewable Energy: Green Trash

What is one of the biggest problems of renewable energy? How could renewable energy actually be bad for the environment? Many believe using renewable energy is the future and the answer to environmental harm caused by human activities. In fact, the amount of trash generated by renewable technologies, particularly spent solar panels and discarded wind turbines, threatens to overwhelm landfills. Keep reading to learn how experts explain one of the worst problems of renewable energy: green trash.

Why Is Rent So Expensive? Economists Weigh In

Why is rent so expensive at the moment? Who has been most affected by rising rent prices? Will prices drop? Demand for affordable housing has surged even as luxury rentals have emptied, leading to quickly rising prices in the market segment that can afford them least. Economists claim that, for lower-income households, the cost to rent is disproportionately higher. Keep reading to find out why rent is so expensive and what the solution is, according to economists.

The 2 Big Dangers of Isolation & How to Overcome Them

What are the biggest dangers of isolation? What are the psychological consequences of cutting yourself off from others? How can you stop isolating yourself? Bestselling author and psychologist Anna Lembke takes a unique perspective on the dangers of isolation by connecting them to society’s fixation on pursuing “high-dopamine” activities. She claims that prioritizing instant gratification feeds into the dangerous cycle of isolation. Keep reading to learn the two dangers of isolation and Lembke’s advice for overcoming them.

Social Media’s Influence on Society: We’re Even Lonelier

What is social media’s influence on society? What negative influences do experts say we should be concerned about? In her bestselling book, The Age of Surveillance Capitalism, author Shoshana Zuboff explains the cause and effect of tech giants intrusively monitoring and using our data for profit (i.e. “surveillance capitalism”). Zuboff further explains social media’s harmful role in this system. Keep reading to find out how social media is influencing society and our mental health, according to Zuboff.