Something You Should Know

The Psychology of Being “Played for a Sucker” & Food Myths That Won’t Die

7 snips
Dec 1, 2025
Tess Wilkinson-Ryan, a law professor and psychologist, sheds light on how our fear of being scammed often backfires, making us more vulnerable. She explores the cultural roots of this fear and how it shapes our decisions. Meanwhile, Joe Schwarcz, a science communicator, debunks common food myths, explaining the real risks of burnt toast and the truth about supplements. He emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet over fad claims. Together, they navigate the tricky landscape of psychology and food science.
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INSIGHT

Personality Predicts Musical Potential

  • Cambridge research linked musical ability to openness and extraversion beyond experience.
  • People can have latent musical potential even if they never play an instrument.
INSIGHT

Being ‘Sucker’ Fear Is Culturally Reinforced

  • Fear of being scammed is widespread and culturally reinforced by stories and sayings.
  • That vigilance can be learned and amplified by cultural messages rather than pure biology.
INSIGHT

Fraud Framing Cuts Willingness To Invest

  • People invest much less when a small downside is framed as potential fraud versus a market error.
  • The humiliation of being fooled drives stronger avoidance than equivalent financial risk.
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