Radiolab
Games
Jan 13, 2023
Stephen Dubner, author and host of "Freakonomics", shares his childhood hero story about Franco Harris, illustrating the deep emotional ties fans have to sports. The conversation explores why we become so invested in games, whether it's a football playoff or a family board game. From the thrill of an underdog to the balance of creativity and rules in play, they discuss how games reflect broader human experiences. Dubner's personal anecdotes highlight sports as a connection point, revealing insights about hope, loss, and the narratives we create through competition.
55:38
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Quick takeaways
- Humans are drawn to underdogs due to emotional and fairness factors in different contexts.
- Supporting underdogs provides more emotional satisfaction in victory and less disappointment in defeat.
Deep dives
The Fascination with Underdogs
People have a natural affinity towards underdogs in various contexts, including sports, politics, and business. Studies show that when given a choice between a favored or an underdog competitor, a majority gravitate towards supporting the underdog. This preference for rooting for the underdog is deeply rooted in human behavior and manifests in diverse situations like cheering for a struggling circle in a geometric shape simulation experiment.
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