In this discussion, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt delves into the impact of technology on youth, particularly the addictive nature of social media. He shares insights on how evolutionary biology shapes human behavior and decision-making, linking it to Gen Z's experiences with anxiety and self-image issues. Haidt critiques modern identity politics on college campuses and proposes strategies to navigate tech's effects on childhood. He emphasizes the importance of resilience and constructive feedback for Gen Z employees in the workforce.
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insights INSIGHT
New Podcast Format
The All-In Podcast is trying a new format called "The All-In Interview".
This format features two hosts interviewing one guest, aiming for a more focused discussion.
insights INSIGHT
Evolutionary Biology Meets Modernity
Jonathan Haidt's work explores the tension between human nature and modern society.
Modern technology and societal changes create conflicts and behavioral shifts.
insights INSIGHT
Gamification and Addiction
Social media apps use gamification and AI to maximize user engagement.
This has created addictive products like TikTok, raising concerns about their impact.
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The book explores how the ideas 'what doesn’t kill you makes you weaker,' 'always trust your feelings,' and 'life is a battle between good people and evil people' have become embedded in American culture. These 'Great Untruths' contradict basic psychological principles and ancient wisdom, leading to a culture of safetyism that interferes with young people’s social, emotional, and intellectual development. The authors investigate various social trends, including fearful parenting, the decline of unsupervised play, and the impact of social media, as well as changes on college campuses and the broader context of political polarization in America.
The Happiness Hypothesis
Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom
Jonathan Haidt
In 'The Happiness Hypothesis,' Jonathan Haidt delves into the nature of happiness, fulfillment, and meaning. He discusses the division of the self into two parts: the primitive limbic system and the rational neocortex, using the metaphor of a rider and an elephant to explain the relationship between conscious and unconscious processes. Haidt examines 'Great Ideas' from ancient thinkers like Plato, Buddha, and Jesus, and evaluates them in light of contemporary psychological research. He argues that happiness is influenced by both internal and external factors, including biological set points, life conditions, and voluntary activities. The book also explores the importance of social relationships, the role of adversity in personal growth, and the concept of 'vital engagement' in work and life[2][3][5].
The Righteous Mind
Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion
Jonathan Haidt
In this book, Jonathan Haidt draws on twenty-five years of research on moral psychology to explain why people's moral judgments are driven by intuition rather than reason. He introduces the Moral Foundations Theory, which posits that human morality is based on six foundations: care/harm, fairness/cheating, loyalty/betrayal, authority/subversion, sanctity/degradation, and liberty/oppression. Haidt argues that liberals tend to focus on the care/harm and fairness/cheating foundations, while conservatives draw on all six. The book also explores how morality binds and blinds people, leading to social cohesion but also to conflicts. Haidt aims to promote understanding and civility by highlighting the commonalities and differences in moral intuitions across political spectra.
(0:00) New format: The All-In Interview!
(0:59) Jonathan Haidt joins Jason and Friedberg: broader themes of his work, gamification and supercharged social media
(12:39) Understanding how humans are wired from an evolutionary biology perspective
(27:22) Haidt's proposals to help younger generations
(33:12) Linking themes and trends in Haidt's books with recent college protests
(48:17) Explaining traditional liberalism and conservatism
(56:55) Lightning Round: Parenting tips, Gen Z employees