Mayim Bialik's Breakdown The Rise of Cancel Culture, Distrust in Science & Misinformation: Dr. Steven Pinker Reveals The Hidden Psychology That Threatens Society.
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Sep 23, 2025 
In a riveting discussion, Dr. Steven Pinker, a Harvard cognitive psychologist and bestselling author, tackles the intricacies of cancel culture and the psychology behind misinformation. He explores how shared beliefs can shift power dynamics and examines the ancient roots of public shaming. Pinker also highlights the dangers of distrust in science, linking it to a rise in conspiracy theories. With thought-provoking insights, he confronts the complexities of free speech amidst a polarized society, challenging spiritual notions with his grounded perspective.
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Common Knowledge Enables Coordination
- Common knowledge is when everyone knows something and knows that everyone else knows it, enabling coordination.
- Many social institutions (money, driving rules, friendships) depend on this recursive mutual awareness.
Signal Clearly To Change Relationships
- Use conspicuous signals (eye contact, blurting, blushing) to ratify or change relationships through common knowledge.
- Keep sensitive matters out of common knowledge with euphemism and hints when you want to preserve relationships.
Justine Sacco's Viral Canceling
- Justine Sacco's ironic tweet about Africa went viral and destroyed her career within hours of a flight.
- Social media enabled mass public shaming where people took sadistic pleasure in ruining her life.
