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Fresh Air

Internet Brain & The Age Of Overthinking

Apr 9, 2024
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.
45:11

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • 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.

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