New Books in Psychology
Sandra Matz, "Mindmasters: The Data-Driven Science of Predicting and Changing Human Behavior" (HBRP, 2025)
May 9, 2025
Join Sandra Matz, a Columbia Business School professor and author, as she delves into the fascinating intersection of algorithms and human psychology. Discover how data-driven insights can reveal intimate aspects of our behavior, offering both potential benefits and ethical concerns. Matz discusses the dark side of manipulation in marketing and politics, yet highlights hopeful advances in mental health technology. With a balanced view, she explores how big data can encourage healthier choices while cautioning against our decreasing personal agency.
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Quick takeaways
- Algorithms can reveal deeper insights into individual psychology through digital footprints, often predicting behavior better than close relationships can.
- The ethical implications of algorithmic influence challenge our understanding of free will, as personalized data can guide choices without our awareness.
Deep dives
Influence of Digital Footprints on Understanding Behavior
Digital footprints, including social media interactions and browsing habits, provide unprecedented insights into individual behavior and psychological needs. Algorithms can analyze these data points, revealing deeper connections between online activities and personal attributes that often surpass what close relationships may perceive. For instance, research shows that a calculated number of Facebook likes can allow an algorithm to understand a person better than their spouse, as the algorithm processes implicit data on preferences and behaviors. This ability illustrates a shift in how our actions online are not merely observational but predictive, influencing decisions in ways we may not fully realize.
