Read to Lead Podcast cover image

Read to Lead Podcast

The Science of Predicting and Changing Human Behavior – Episode 562 (M02)

Feb 25, 2025
Sondra Matz, a Columbia Business School professor and author of "Mind Masters," dives into the complex world of human behavior. She challenges traditional views on personality, illustrating its fluidity based on context. The discussion explores the impact of big data and algorithms, revealing both their benefits and risks. Matz also tackles the ethical concerns of psychological targeting, emphasizing the need for user protection. Ultimately, she advocates for frameworks that prioritize well-being over exploitation in our increasingly digital lives.
40:49

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Big data offers both opportunities for enhancing mental health care and risks of manipulation, highlighting the importance of recognizing its dual nature.
  • Personality is not static but varies with contextual factors, emphasizing the need to understand behavior as dynamic and context-dependent.

Deep dives

The Dual Nature of Data Insights

Big data holds transformative potential by revealing intimate insights into human psychology through our digital footprints. This information can lead to both beneficial applications, such as improving mental health care, and harmful outcomes, like invasive targeting techniques that manipulate our choices. The ability to decode personal habits and preferences raises concerns about privacy and autonomy, as companies can exert influence based on this data. Understanding the dual nature of data usage is crucial, as it empowers individuals to recognize both the opportunities and the risks associated with their digital presence.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode