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Woman running away from social media posts that are attacking her
January 30, 2024

What’s Behind the Rush to Join an Internet Pile-on?

A new study investigates the reputational rewards of publicly condemning others before getting the whole story.

January 17, 2024

How Will AI Reshape Our World? It’s Really Up to Us.

We need to be proactive to ensure AI supports—rather than supplants—human priorities.

people walking through a lively urban shopping district
January 2, 2024

Community Revitalization Is Hard to Get Right. Here’s How It Can Succeed.

“The basic amenities people want are pretty universal, but every community has its own priorities and ideals.”

person with money deciding which box to put it in.
November 22, 2023

Take 5: The Psychology of Charitable Giving

What makes us give? Research reveals the surprising factors that shape our generosity.

Machine taking ideas and standardizing them into blocks
November 1, 2023

The Big Trade-off at the Heart of Generative AI

Tools like ChatGPT can improve efficiency at the individual level—but could lead to large societal problems.

words in hourglass
October 27, 2023

How Have Social Stereotypes Changed over the Last Century?

The words people associate with different social groups have shifted, but the underlying beliefs may be more stubborn.

two hands holding smartphone with social media post of person in First St. Food Bank shirt with text "I donated. You should too!"
June 1, 2023

Yes, You Should Hit “Share” when You Make a Charitable Donation

Nobody wants to come across as bragging, but when donors stay mum, charities miss out. New research offers a strategy to embolden givers.

person holding phone in front of profile pictures
March 1, 2023

A Novel Strategy for Fighting Discrimination on Online Platforms

Profile pictures build trust on peer-to-peer platforms—but they can also breed discrimination. Small changes to profile photos could make a difference.

College quad with students walking away from the center
January 2, 2023

College Campuses Are Becoming More Diverse. But How Much Do Students from Different Backgrounds Actually Interact?

Increasing diversity has been a key goal, “but far less attention is paid to what happens after we get people in the door.”

person climbing a small ladder against a wall with longer ladders
December 1, 2022

How COVID Changed the Way Americans Think about Economic Inequality

For some, the pandemic laid bare the social factors that can keep people down. But not everyone adopted a new perspective.

four people stand in a circle, with one speaking and the others reflecting on their statement.
October 1, 2022

How We Justify Our Unpopular Opinions

The tactic makes controversial views more palatable to others—and has implications for the rampant spread of fake news.

group of people protest in shadow of a statue to earlier protestors.
October 1, 2022

When Do People Protest and When Do They Just Grumble? History Offers Clues.

A tradition of anti-government uprisings can impact communities centuries later.

group of people taking a test with several cheating off others
August 1, 2022

The Surprising Way Crowd Size Affects Our Tendency to Cheat

Organizations would be wise to understand the psychology behind this phenomenon.

A man walks into a therapy room.
August 1, 2022

For Those Living in Poverty, Therapy Can Have Benefits Beyond Mental Health

A large study suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy can also improve physical health and economic outcomes.

group of protesters holding signs
July 1, 2022

How to Build a More Diverse Environmental Movement

People of color will disproportionately suffer from climate change, yet there is a striking lack of diversity in mainstream environmental organizations. Broadening what counts as an environmental issue could build a larger, more inclusive coalition.

executive describes sustainable investments
June 10, 2022

How to Measure Your Organization’s Social Impact

Smart people and good intentions don’t guarantee success. You need a thoughtful plan to measure what you are actually accomplishing.

two men point fingers at each other while talking
March 1, 2022

Why Accusations of Discrimination Often Morph into Debates about Free Speech

A study of the psychology behind this common rhetorical tactic.

employees look out a business window at protestors
February 1, 2022

Hoping to Drive Social Change at Work? Here’s a Tip.

Certain social movement hashtags and labels could turn off the allies you want to recruit.

person opening laptop with conspiracy theories appearing in speech bubble
September 7, 2021

How Did COVID-19 Conspiracy Theories Get So Out of Control?

Misinformation is thriving in an environment where people feel disconnected. Social media isn’t helping.

man in store aisle compares eco-friendly product with conventional product.
July 1, 2021

Are Customers Skeptical of Eco-friendly Products?

New research pushes back on the idea that consumers reflexively distrust the performance of these products.

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The Insightful Leader

February 16, 2024  ·  15:17 minutes
February 2, 2024  ·  19:54 minutes