Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg Dealing with our "groupstruckness" and "boundedness" (with Katja Grace)
May 18, 2022
In this discussion, Katja Grace, a blogger and researcher specializing in group dynamics and AI safety, dives into the concept of being 'groupstruck' and how social pressures distort individual decision-making, especially during crises like the pandemic. She explores the delicate balance of conformity and personal judgment, offering insights on navigating group dynamics and fostering genuine relationships. Additionally, Grace critiques traditional decision-making models, emphasizes the value of qualitative factors, and introduces strategies for improved personal growth and decision-making.
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The Smoke-Filled Room Experiment
- In a 1960s experiment, single individuals quickly reacted to smoke in a room.
- However, groups of people took much longer to react, demonstrating "groupstruckness."
Early COVID-19 Warnings
- Spencer Greenberg felt like a "crazy person" when he warned about COVID-19 early on.
- He received backlash for his early blog post, highlighting the social pressure against early action.
Mask-Wearing and Social Pressure
- Katja Grace felt embarrassed to wear a more effective mask than others during the early stages of COVID-19.
- Her internal experience involved a need to justify her actions, highlighting the pressure to conform.