Has anyone read a good scientific explanation why cell phones/social media are so addictive?
I see everyone from my little niece to my old parents glued to them. Many spend hours every day scrolling through mostly empty content. It's not brain food but gum, so no satiation. Why?
I see everyone from my little niece to my old parents glued to them. Many spend hours every day scrolling through mostly empty content. It's not brain food but gum, so no satiation. Why?
April 15, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Has anyone read a good scientific explanation why cell phones/social media are so addictive?
I see everyone from my little niece to my old parents glued to them. Many spend hours every day scrolling through mostly empty content. It's not brain food but gum, so no satiation. Why?
I see everyone from my little niece to my old parents glued to them. Many spend hours every day scrolling through mostly empty content. It's not brain food but gum, so no satiation. Why?
When you are trying to persuade someone, you may think that you need more evidence, a better argument, or a clear explanation. Many times what you actually need is a person who is willing to change their mind. All the evidence in the world is nothing to a person who refuses to accept it.
April 14, 2025 at 5:31 PM
When you are trying to persuade someone, you may think that you need more evidence, a better argument, or a clear explanation. Many times what you actually need is a person who is willing to change their mind. All the evidence in the world is nothing to a person who refuses to accept it.
Maybe it's ignorant of me to ask, but why don't we have scientific consensus on some issues like:
- do video games increase aggression and violence?
- does porn increase sexual violence?
- does social media reduce mental health?
I know it's complicated, but why no consensus?
- do video games increase aggression and violence?
- does porn increase sexual violence?
- does social media reduce mental health?
I know it's complicated, but why no consensus?
March 25, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Maybe it's ignorant of me to ask, but why don't we have scientific consensus on some issues like:
- do video games increase aggression and violence?
- does porn increase sexual violence?
- does social media reduce mental health?
I know it's complicated, but why no consensus?
- do video games increase aggression and violence?
- does porn increase sexual violence?
- does social media reduce mental health?
I know it's complicated, but why no consensus?
If you only believe the facts that you like or can easily accept, do you truly value facts? Do you think critically? Or are you simply adopting better arguments for things you would believe anyway, without any evidence?
February 24, 2025 at 9:26 AM
If you only believe the facts that you like or can easily accept, do you truly value facts? Do you think critically? Or are you simply adopting better arguments for things you would believe anyway, without any evidence?
The most maddening thing about us trying to make sense of a complex world is that each of us can be persuaded that irrational things are rational and based on evidence. We are all limited by our own brains even if we don't want to be.
February 23, 2025 at 5:57 PM
The most maddening thing about us trying to make sense of a complex world is that each of us can be persuaded that irrational things are rational and based on evidence. We are all limited by our own brains even if we don't want to be.
People are free to do what they want in life. Yes, but those people should also accept the consequences of their actions.
I feel like we're in living in a world full of adult-looking children in which people are often shocked, angry, or upset that their own actions have consequences.
I feel like we're in living in a world full of adult-looking children in which people are often shocked, angry, or upset that their own actions have consequences.
February 20, 2025 at 10:50 AM
People are free to do what they want in life. Yes, but those people should also accept the consequences of their actions.
I feel like we're in living in a world full of adult-looking children in which people are often shocked, angry, or upset that their own actions have consequences.
I feel like we're in living in a world full of adult-looking children in which people are often shocked, angry, or upset that their own actions have consequences.
“You cannot reason someone out of a position they did not reason themselves into.” - Jonathan Swift
February 15, 2025 at 1:01 PM
“You cannot reason someone out of a position they did not reason themselves into.” - Jonathan Swift
When it comes to understanding human psychology, I think we need to approach it in different ways.
We need to zoom in and look at individual factors that play a role. We need to look at different mechanisms. Then we need to zoom out and look at the bigger picture.
We need to zoom in and look at individual factors that play a role. We need to look at different mechanisms. Then we need to zoom out and look at the bigger picture.
February 12, 2025 at 4:22 PM
When it comes to understanding human psychology, I think we need to approach it in different ways.
We need to zoom in and look at individual factors that play a role. We need to look at different mechanisms. Then we need to zoom out and look at the bigger picture.
We need to zoom in and look at individual factors that play a role. We need to look at different mechanisms. Then we need to zoom out and look at the bigger picture.
We forget that we're all animals.
February 11, 2025 at 12:40 PM
We forget that we're all animals.
Has anyone read about how social media may fuel social contagion and how it shapes people's identities and lifestyles?
The idea was briefly mentioned on Sam Harris's podcast and it's something I didn't think about much but sometimes I think I see things that seem tied to this.
The idea was briefly mentioned on Sam Harris's podcast and it's something I didn't think about much but sometimes I think I see things that seem tied to this.
February 10, 2025 at 12:55 PM
Has anyone read about how social media may fuel social contagion and how it shapes people's identities and lifestyles?
The idea was briefly mentioned on Sam Harris's podcast and it's something I didn't think about much but sometimes I think I see things that seem tied to this.
The idea was briefly mentioned on Sam Harris's podcast and it's something I didn't think about much but sometimes I think I see things that seem tied to this.
When it comes to politics, remember this: the dark side seeks power.
Multiple studies show that people higher in dark traits are more likely to consider running for office and to believe they are qualified.
Dark traits: Machiavellianism, Narcissism, Psychopathy
Multiple studies show that people higher in dark traits are more likely to consider running for office and to believe they are qualified.
Dark traits: Machiavellianism, Narcissism, Psychopathy
February 3, 2025 at 10:07 PM
When it comes to politics, remember this: the dark side seeks power.
Multiple studies show that people higher in dark traits are more likely to consider running for office and to believe they are qualified.
Dark traits: Machiavellianism, Narcissism, Psychopathy
Multiple studies show that people higher in dark traits are more likely to consider running for office and to believe they are qualified.
Dark traits: Machiavellianism, Narcissism, Psychopathy
All the science in the world is no match for people who are confident and ignorant. But if millions of people choose to listen to them, what can we do? Nothing. Humanity is destroying itself, one life at a time.
So much BS!
Influential podcasts fuel 'harmful' health misinformation medicalxpress.com/news/2025-01...
"Unfounded cancer cures, dubious anti-vaccine narratives, & false claims that neurological disorders can be 'reversed' through diets..."
"...fueling mistrust in conventional medicine....
Influential podcasts fuel 'harmful' health misinformation medicalxpress.com/news/2025-01...
"Unfounded cancer cures, dubious anti-vaccine narratives, & false claims that neurological disorders can be 'reversed' through diets..."
"...fueling mistrust in conventional medicine....
Influential podcasts fuel 'harmful' health misinformation
Unfounded cancer cures, dubious anti-vaccine narratives, and false claims that neurological disorders can be "reversed" through diets: influential American and European podcasters are peddling harmful...
medicalxpress.com
January 29, 2025 at 1:21 PM
All the science in the world is no match for people who are confident and ignorant. But if millions of people choose to listen to them, what can we do? Nothing. Humanity is destroying itself, one life at a time.
People who believed scientists were more intellectually humble had more trust in them.
They were also more likely to believe in climate change, and the safety of vaccines and genetically modified foods. In other words, they had science-based beliefs about controversial topics.
They were also more likely to believe in climate change, and the safety of vaccines and genetically modified foods. In other words, they had science-based beliefs about controversial topics.
December 9, 2024 at 6:26 PM
People who believed scientists were more intellectually humble had more trust in them.
They were also more likely to believe in climate change, and the safety of vaccines and genetically modified foods. In other words, they had science-based beliefs about controversial topics.
They were also more likely to believe in climate change, and the safety of vaccines and genetically modified foods. In other words, they had science-based beliefs about controversial topics.
Many dislike paternalism as adults shouldn't be treated like children. Yet the more I learn about how we reason, the more childish the mind seems.
We think we know it all, we're always right, everyone else just happens to be wrong. Doesn't this sound like a child to you? 😅
We think we know it all, we're always right, everyone else just happens to be wrong. Doesn't this sound like a child to you? 😅
December 9, 2024 at 11:54 AM
Many dislike paternalism as adults shouldn't be treated like children. Yet the more I learn about how we reason, the more childish the mind seems.
We think we know it all, we're always right, everyone else just happens to be wrong. Doesn't this sound like a child to you? 😅
We think we know it all, we're always right, everyone else just happens to be wrong. Doesn't this sound like a child to you? 😅
“It seems abundantly clear that many people are simply wrong about morality – just as many people are wrong physics, biology, history, and everything else worth understanding. What scientific purpose is served by averting our eyes from this fact?” - Sam Harris
December 8, 2024 at 1:30 PM
“It seems abundantly clear that many people are simply wrong about morality – just as many people are wrong physics, biology, history, and everything else worth understanding. What scientific purpose is served by averting our eyes from this fact?” - Sam Harris
How much you agree with a statement will depend on who said it. Are they part of your group? Then you're more likely to agree.
Religion and politics are both cognitive kryptonite.
Religion and politics are both cognitive kryptonite.
December 7, 2024 at 12:04 PM
How much you agree with a statement will depend on who said it. Are they part of your group? Then you're more likely to agree.
Religion and politics are both cognitive kryptonite.
Religion and politics are both cognitive kryptonite.
Instead of trying to correct misinformation, try bypassing! It could be more effective.
How does it work? Instead of saying "this is false", try to provide some piece of information that is true and positive.
For example, if people say "GMOs are not safe", don't just deny that.
How does it work? Instead of saying "this is false", try to provide some piece of information that is true and positive.
For example, if people say "GMOs are not safe", don't just deny that.
December 4, 2024 at 6:28 PM
Instead of trying to correct misinformation, try bypassing! It could be more effective.
How does it work? Instead of saying "this is false", try to provide some piece of information that is true and positive.
For example, if people say "GMOs are not safe", don't just deny that.
How does it work? Instead of saying "this is false", try to provide some piece of information that is true and positive.
For example, if people say "GMOs are not safe", don't just deny that.
Have you noticed people have a problem with a study with a small sample only when they are unhappy with the results.?
I doubt anybody would jump to dismiss a small study if they were happy with the conclusion. They might say "we need more studies", but not dismiss it.
I doubt anybody would jump to dismiss a small study if they were happy with the conclusion. They might say "we need more studies", but not dismiss it.
December 2, 2024 at 10:53 AM
Have you noticed people have a problem with a study with a small sample only when they are unhappy with the results.?
I doubt anybody would jump to dismiss a small study if they were happy with the conclusion. They might say "we need more studies", but not dismiss it.
I doubt anybody would jump to dismiss a small study if they were happy with the conclusion. They might say "we need more studies", but not dismiss it.
Misinformation causes more outrage than reliable information.
When people are outraged, they share more information (both misinformation and reliable information). But they are also more likely to share misinformation without reading it first.
science.org/doi/10.1126/...
When people are outraged, they share more information (both misinformation and reliable information). But they are also more likely to share misinformation without reading it first.
science.org/doi/10.1126/...
November 28, 2024 at 8:44 PM
Misinformation causes more outrage than reliable information.
When people are outraged, they share more information (both misinformation and reliable information). But they are also more likely to share misinformation without reading it first.
science.org/doi/10.1126/...
When people are outraged, they share more information (both misinformation and reliable information). But they are also more likely to share misinformation without reading it first.
science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Reposted
Move!
"The magnitude of the association between physical activity & mortality risk remains mainly consistent across the adult lifespan..."
"...promotion of physical activity is essential at all stages of adult life."
Physical Activity & All-Cause Mortality: jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
"The magnitude of the association between physical activity & mortality risk remains mainly consistent across the adult lifespan..."
"...promotion of physical activity is essential at all stages of adult life."
Physical Activity & All-Cause Mortality: jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Physical Activity and All-Cause Mortality by Age in 4 Multinational Megacohorts
This cohort study examines whether there is an age-dependent association between physical activity and all-cause mortality at all stages of adult life.
jamanetwork.com
November 22, 2024 at 8:46 PM
Move!
"The magnitude of the association between physical activity & mortality risk remains mainly consistent across the adult lifespan..."
"...promotion of physical activity is essential at all stages of adult life."
Physical Activity & All-Cause Mortality: jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
"The magnitude of the association between physical activity & mortality risk remains mainly consistent across the adult lifespan..."
"...promotion of physical activity is essential at all stages of adult life."
Physical Activity & All-Cause Mortality: jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Birds of a feather flock together. Also known as assortative mating. Call it what you like, the idea is simple: we end up dating people who are like us.
Partners are similar in intelligence, personality, politics, including physical attractiveness! Let's talk about the last one.
Partners are similar in intelligence, personality, politics, including physical attractiveness! Let's talk about the last one.
November 22, 2024 at 10:23 PM
Birds of a feather flock together. Also known as assortative mating. Call it what you like, the idea is simple: we end up dating people who are like us.
Partners are similar in intelligence, personality, politics, including physical attractiveness! Let's talk about the last one.
Partners are similar in intelligence, personality, politics, including physical attractiveness! Let's talk about the last one.
Reposted
If you find yourself enraged by a piece of online content, pause, and consider that it was probably crafted to enrage you.
November 19, 2024 at 2:20 PM
If you find yourself enraged by a piece of online content, pause, and consider that it was probably crafted to enrage you.
If you lose trust in science and scientists and you place your trust in influencers and podcasters who provide unreliable information and are just trying to get rich, it is not critical thinking that's driving you. It is the precise opposite of that. Don't be misled by them!
November 19, 2024 at 8:09 PM
If you lose trust in science and scientists and you place your trust in influencers and podcasters who provide unreliable information and are just trying to get rich, it is not critical thinking that's driving you. It is the precise opposite of that. Don't be misled by them!
How social media fuels moral panic 😱
When a tweet about a controversial issue is posted, people react with concern.
But when a tweet goes viral, people react more strongly, showing more outrage as a response. The virality seems to indicate a bigger problem in people's minds.
When a tweet about a controversial issue is posted, people react with concern.
But when a tweet goes viral, people react more strongly, showing more outrage as a response. The virality seems to indicate a bigger problem in people's minds.
November 13, 2024 at 7:36 PM
How social media fuels moral panic 😱
When a tweet about a controversial issue is posted, people react with concern.
But when a tweet goes viral, people react more strongly, showing more outrage as a response. The virality seems to indicate a bigger problem in people's minds.
When a tweet about a controversial issue is posted, people react with concern.
But when a tweet goes viral, people react more strongly, showing more outrage as a response. The virality seems to indicate a bigger problem in people's minds.