Simplifying Complexity How cultural evolution shapes us - Part 2
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Mar 31, 2025 Join Paul Smaldino, a cognitive scientist specializing in cultural evolution, as he dives into the intricacies of how we shape and are shaped by our cultural landscapes. He explores the impact of technology on social learning and identity signaling, highlighting the challenging dynamics of trust in the algorithmic age. Discover how individuals navigate identity in their social circles and the implications of cultural evolution on political identities. Paul’s insights reveal the evolutionary roots of our behavior and the complexities of modern societal interactions.
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Cultural Information Exchange
- In a culture, most people act as both receivers and producers of information.
- This creates a dynamic system where information constantly evolves.
Challenges of Rapid Change
- Rapid societal changes make it hard for cultural evolution to keep pace.
- This leads to difficulties in determining valuable information and trustworthy sources.
AI and Trust
- Traditional signals of authority, like writing skill, are easily faked with AI.
- This creates challenges in determining trustworthiness and may drive new cultural selection pressures.