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The Next Big Idea

MAGICAL OVERTHINKING: Why Modern Life Is Making Us More Irrational

Apr 11, 2024
Explore the impact of cognitive biases in modern society, from online interactions to conspiracy theories. Learn about 'The Age of Magical Overthinking' and how irrationality is heightened by societal changes. Discover how cognitive biases shape our perception of truth and the importance of distinguishing between accurate information and misleading narratives.
56:20

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Cognitive biases impact modern irrationality, rooted in evolutionary survival instincts.
  • Information overload and societal complexities fuel irrational thinking and anxiety in today's world.

Deep dives

Impact of Daniel Kahneman's Work on Cognitive Bias

The groundbreaking work of Daniel Kahneman, known for his research on cognitive biases, challenges the classical economic assumption of human rationality. Alongside Amos Tversky in the 1970s, they identified cognitive biases like confirmation bias and the sunk cost fallacy, highlighting how human actions are often influenced by emotions and unconscious predilections. This understanding of cognitive biases remains relevant in today's information age and offers insights into our irrational behaviors.

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