Society Archives

How Myside Bias Fuels Irrationality & an “Us vs. Them” Mentality

Which do you value more—the truth or fitting in? Do you allow your group’s beliefs to trump your better judgment? Most people agree on the importance of rational thinking and behavior. Still, irrationality is rampant. Steven Pinker explores why people hold irrational beliefs such as paranormal phenomena or conspiracy theories in his book Rationality. He identifies myside bias as one of the culprits. Read more to learn about this all-too-common tendency that impacts individuals and society as a whole.

Is Peak TV Dead, or Are We Just Entering a New Era?

What is Peak TV? Why are some people saying it’s dead? What does the future hold for viewers whose days of choosing from an overwhelming abundance of programming are allegedly over? Peak TV is dead—and the days of Americans being able to choose from the greatest-ever number of original scripted shows is over, according to some. With rising production costs, lagging streaming adoption rates, and strikes, some argue that programming will decline, while others say it’s simply a new era. Keep reading to find out whether Peak TV is really dead or not.

Fear of Wasting Time: How Doing Less Makes Us More Anxious

How valuable is your time? Does the “time is money” mentality make you anxious? In her book Do Nothing, Celeste Headlee writes that, for many people, time feels scarce and too valuable to squander. She argues that the modern pressure to constantly be productive stems, in part, from changing perceptions of how valuable one’s time is. Keep reading to learn about the fear of wasting time and where it comes from.

The Downside of Empathy: 5 Ways It Harms More Than Helps

When is kindness not in harmony with morality? Why is empathy unsustainable? Yale psychologist Paul Bloom makes a case against empathy—specifically, emotional empathy. He argues that emotional empathy reinforces our biases, motivates actions that are kind but morally wrong, prioritizes individuals over groups, wears us out, and even motivates violence. Continue reading to learn about the downside of empathy.

Record-Breaking Heat: Causes & Consequences

What’s causing the record-breaking heat around the globe? Is it man-made or natural? The ten warmest years in recorded history all happened since 2010, and 2023 is on track to beat the record once again. Despite this, there are still many climate change skeptics. Here’s a look at the causes of the recent extreme heat and why the skeptics are wrong.

How to Be Selfless in Everyday Life (+ the Benefits)

Do you want to help people who need it? How can you be selfless and kind to others? Humans are naturally selfish beings due to our evolutionary need to survive, but there are ways to grow out of this selfishness. Whether it’s performing random acts of kindness or actively listening, unleashing your altruistic side is a great way to give back to others while expecting nothing in return. Keep reading to learn how to be selfless and make somebody’s day.

The Impact of Climate Change on the Construction Industry

What challenges does extreme weather pose for the construction industry? What steps is it taking to meet them? Can the industry weather the impacts of climate change? Extreme heat, wildfires, and hurricanes are on the rise around the globe, and the construction industry, whose profits rise and fall based on the weather, is in the hot seat. As climate change fuels increasingly powerful and destructive weather events, the industry will have to find ways to adapt to survive. Below we’ll take a look at the impact of climate change on the construction industry.

The Effects of Water Scarcity: Is Rationing Enough to Help?

How much does water rationing actually help? What are the impacts of water scarcity around the world? Where is it the worst? Across the globe, a growing number of regions are implementing water rationing to address water scarcity. But as climate change fuels higher temperatures and droughts, rationing might not be enough to ensure that the billions who face shortages have the water they need. Here’s a look at the effects of water scarcity and what can be done to help.

Are Youth Activist Lawsuits Making a Difference?

What changes have youth activists brought about? Are they really making a difference? Youth activists around the world are suing their governments over climate change. Some have forced governments to rework emissions targets or stop deforestation. And even unsuccessful suits can influence public opinion and create pressure for change. Keep reading for a look at some of the lawsuits and their outcomes.

4-Day Workweek Trials: Here’s How They’re Going

Is a shorter workweek any closer to being a reality? What signs point to “yes”—and what barriers prevent it from happening? Countries around the globe have been running 4-day workweek trials and touting the benefits for years, yet implementation of the policy has been limited. Barriers to the policy’s implementation are keeping many companies from testing out the new schedule. Keep reading to learn about the results of the 4-day workweek trials, and why some companies are still reluctant to try it.