Read to Lead Podcast The Science of Predicting and Changing Human Behavior – Episode 562 (M02)
21 snips
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.
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Village Analogy
- Sondra Matz compares data collection to growing up in a small village where everyone knew each other's business.
- This analogy highlights the tension between personalized support and intrusive surveillance in our current data ecosystem.
Breadth of Insights
- Big data reveals not just the volume of data but the breadth of insights into our psychology.
- This allows for personalized advice but also creates potential for manipulation.
Authenticity vs. Idealization
- Even idealized online identities reveal aspects of our true selves and aspirations.
- Unintentional data trails, or "behavioral residue," provide a more complete and often uncurated picture.
