This chapter explores the motivations behind extreme behaviors influenced by online content, cognitive dissonance in political groups, and the reinforcing aspects of addictive behaviors. It also discusses the value people attach to social identities, the influence of group identity on collective action, and the backfire effect in scientific debates.
In this episode, we sit down with psychologist Jay Van Bavel to discuss his new book, The Power of Us, an exploration of "the dynamics of shared, social identities. What causes people to develop social identities? What happens to people when they define themselves in terms of group memberships? Under what conditions does the human proclivity to divide the world into “us” and “them” produce toxic conflict and devastating discrimination? And how can shared identities instead be harnessed to improve performance, increase cooperation, and promote social harmony?"
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