Plain English with Derek Thompson MAILBAG: Why Does the Internet Make Us Depressed? Where Does Good Writing Come From? Is College Worth It Anymore?
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Mar 17, 2023 In a lively mailbag session, the host tackles why the internet can worsen our mental health while exploring the doomerism trend among the affluent. The conversation shifts to the evolving value of college education, dissecting its diminishing financial returns. Solutions for the ongoing U.S. labor shortage are analyzed, spotlighting the crucial role of immigration. Additionally, the art of crafting analogies for better communication is highlighted, alongside a fresh take on the prospects of nuclear energy as a clean solution.
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Online Doomerism
- Doomerism thrives online because it grabs attention.
- Catastrophizing elicits stronger reactions than measured responses, thus becoming self-reinforcing.
Critical Thinking and the Internet
- Critical thinking isn't declining, but the internet exposes more opinions than ever before.
- Most people's opinions have historically been flawed, and the internet reveals them.
Labor Shortage Explained
- The labor shortage is largely due to fewer older people working after the pandemic. Increased demand and a lower employment population ratio contribute.
- Immigration and a higher fertility rate are needed to address this, along with pulling people from the sidelines.