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Sandra Matz, "Mindmasters: The Data-Driven Science of Predicting and Changing Human Behavior" (HBRP, 2025)

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May 7, 2025
Sandra Matz, a Zalaznik Associate Professor of Business at Columbia Business School, dives into the intriguing world of algorithms and behavior. She discusses how data infiltrates our lives, influencing decisions from consumer habits to political choices. Matz highlights the dual-edged sword of big data: while it can empower us to make better choices, it also poses ethical dilemmas and risks of manipulation. The conversation explores the challenges faced by empathetic individuals in finances and the transformative potential of algorithms in therapy and mental health support.
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ANECDOTE

Digital World Like Small Village

  • Sandra Matz compares the digital world to her small village where neighbors knew her intimately and influenced her behavior.
  • Algorithms similarly analyze our digital footprints to understand and potentially influence our psychological needs and actions.
INSIGHT

Algorithms Know Us Intimately

  • Algorithms can know you better than your spouse by analyzing online behavior and digital traces.
  • This deep insight arises because algorithms access intimate, often unconscious behaviors unlike subjective human perception.
INSIGHT

Digital Footprints Reflect Personality

  • Some online behaviors directly reflect personality traits, like extroverts posting about social outings.
  • Subtle signals also emerge, such as frequent phone battery drain indicating lower conscientiousness.
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