The Psychology of Con Artists: The 3 Most Common Behaviors

How Beautiful Forevers Asha Embraced Charity Scams

What is the psychology behind con artists’ behaviors? What traits are con artists predisposed to? In The Confidence Game, Maria Konnikova says that many con artists become manipulative and vindictive because they show signs of narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism. Showing signs of all three together can create a master manipulator. Below we’ll look at the psychology of con artists to dive into their minds.

The 2 Emotional Manipulation Tactics Con Artists Use

The 2 Emotional Manipulation Tactics Con Artists Use

What are common emotional manipulation tactics that con artists use? How do con artists persuade you to do what they want? In The Confidence Game, Maria Konnikova writes that con artists will persuade you to do something by making an action seem more appealing and removing any potential reasons not to take the action. They rely on two main manipulation tactics: alpha and omega tactics and superiority bias. Find out more about these emotional manipulation tactics so you don’t fall for them.

Should AI Be Regulated? (& How It Would Be Done)

Should AI Be Regulated? (& How It Would Be Done)

Should AI be regulated? What are experts’ concerns about AI? Is AI regulation even possible? A growing number of experts are calling for regulation of advanced AI models, saying the technology poses an existential threat to humanity if left to develop unchecked. However, there’s no clear consensus on who should regulate AI or exactly what the process should look like. Here are some possible approaches in which the US government is involved fully, in part, or not at all. 

How Does Someone Manipulate You and Get Away With It?

How Does Someone Manipulate You and Get Away With It?

How does someone manipulate you in a con game? How do they ensure your silence afterward? In The Confidence Game, Maria Konnikova explains that one of the most important parts of a game is ensuring that the victim won’t rat them out. They do this by emotionally manipulating the victim to feel ashamed or embarrassed about their gullibility. Let’s look at how easy it is to become manipulated by others.

The FIFA Controversy: Women’s Soccer Battles for Equality

The FIFA Controversy: Women’s Soccer Battles for Equality

What’s behind the latest FIFA controversy? What are the specific issues with women’s soccer teams? As the FIFA Women’s World Cup approaches, players are embroiled in battles and controversies with officials around equal rights and equal treatment. From clashes over LGBTQ+ rights to the pursuit of equal pay, women’s soccer has been shaken by conflict. Read on to discover some of the recent issues and how they might affect the upcoming World Cup.

What’s Behind the Pet Store Ban on Retail Pet Sales?

What’s Behind the Pet Store Ban on Retail Pet Sales?

What’s behind the pet store ban on animal sales? Why are some people for or against the bans? A growing number of US cities, counties, and states are banning pet store sales of dogs, cats, and other animals to combat puppy mills and animal maltreatment. Advocates believe these bans are vital for reducing abuse, but puppy mill owners are finding loopholes to circumvent the restrictions. Read on to learn more about the drive to ban the retail sale of animals in pet stores.

The Natural Resource Curse—A Paradox of Wealth & Poverty

The Natural Resource Curse—A Paradox of Wealth & Poverty

How can a country rich in resources be so poor? Why is the energy industry a bad investment for developing countries? You would think that a country rich in natural gas and oil would also be rich in money, but you’d be wrong. The natural resource curse refers to the idea that countries rich in natural resources tend to suffer the most because the money often goes to authoritarian governments, rather than the people. Read below to learn about the natural resource curse and how it came about.

Can Cell Rejuvenation Make Billionaires Immortal?

Can Cell Rejuvenation Make Billionaires Immortal?

Is it possible to live forever? How much would immortality cost? Is cell rejuvenation the answer? A growing number of billionaire entrepreneurs are investing in research to try to increase the human lifespan, some even aiming for immortality. The initiatives involve medical research, biohacking routines, and attempts to create robotic avatars into which human consciousness can be transferred. Here’s a look at cell rejuvenation research, along with some alternative lifespan-extending options.