Linguist Amanda Montell discusses how our brains are overloaded with info, leading to belief in conspiracy theories. She also explores the impact of cognitive biases on decision-making and behavior, and the rise of manifestation gurus on social media. Additionally, the podcast delves into navigating suffering, the dangers of excessive nostalgia, and a white novelist's provocative narrative on cultural politics.
The constant stream of information in the digital age fuels belief in conspiracy theories and mysticism, leading to overthinking and cognitive dissonance.
Cognitive biases evolved as mental shortcuts for survival but now cause existential pain in navigating a complex modern world.
Deep dives
Navigating Information Overload and Cognitive Biases
In the podcast episode, Amanda Montel discusses the impact of the information age on society, highlighting how the constant stream of information has led to a society of over-anxious over-thinkers. She delves into cognitive biases like confirmation bias and sunk cost fallacy, illustrating how they influence decision-making. By exploring the clash between innate psychological tendencies and the influx of information, Montel emphasizes the cognitive dissonance faced in navigating the modern world.
The Influence of Cognitive Biases on Decision-Making
Amanda Montel explores cognitive biases as imperfect mental shortcuts that aid in decision-making. She discusses how these biases evolved to help humans survive physical challenges in simpler times but are now causing existential pain in a complex, cerebral world. Montel links cognitive biases to the clash between innate mysticisms and the pressure to know everything in a capitalist society, highlighting the struggle between ancient shortcuts and modern complexities.
The Impact of Halo Effect and Celebrity Culture
The episode delves into the halo effect, revealing our tendency to admire one quality in a person and assume perfection overall. Montel connects this phenomenon to modern parasocial relationships with celebrities, leading to unrealistic pedestals and subsequent disillusionment. She notes the heightened scrutiny faced by female public figures, illustrating the thin margin of error for those uplifted as flawless icons.
Manifestation, Cognitive Dissonance, and Thought-Terminating Cliches
Amanda Montel discusses manifestation as a form of cognitive bias linked to proportionality bias and conspiracy theories. She warns against turning manifestation into an absolutist ideology, highlighting how it can lead to blame and disappointment. Montel also addresses thought-terminating cliches, using examples from cults and cult-like practices to emphasize the dangers of unquestioning belief and rhetoric manipulation.
Linguist Amanda Montell says our brains are overloaded with a constant stream of information that stokes our innate tendency to believe conspiracy theories and mysticism. Her book is The Age of Magical Overthinking.
Also, Maureen Corrigan reviews Lionel Shriver's new novel, Mania.
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