

The Power of Influence, with Justin Hempson-Jones
Aug 21, 2024
In this engaging discussion, Justin Hempson-Jones, a behavioral scientist and author of "Influence: Understand it, Use it, Resist it," shares insights on the power and dangers of influence in today's world. He explores the psychological impacts of digital technology on human behavior and the risks of disinformation. Alongside Carl Miller, they delve into how authoritarian regimes manipulate technology for control, and the need for new regulations to protect democratic values. It's a thought-provoking conversation on understanding and navigating influence.
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Evolutionary Collision
- The human brain, evolved for survival in dangerous environments, now faces information overload.
- This collision creates vulnerabilities that malicious actors can exploit, especially given our social nature.
Systematic Irrationality
- Humans are "systematically irrational" in how they gather knowledge, relying on limited information.
- This "satisficing" behavior makes us vulnerable to manipulation by those controlling the information we see.
Heuristics: Double-Edged Swords
- Heuristics, mental shortcuts for decision-making, are both useful and exploitable.
- Our attention is easily drawn to threats, opportunities, and novelties, which can be manipulated.