Andrea Jones-Rooy is a data scientist who’s skeptical about data—and a comedian. Andrea and Adam talk about the perks and perils of sharing data on social media, the similarities between the scientific method and comedy, and the value of adding an air of mystery to the way we communicate discoveries. For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/RWAG12 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrea Jones-Rooy, a data science professor and host of the Behind the Data podcast, and Dr. Maryanne Garry, a cognitive psychology professor at the University of Waikato, tackle the pressing issue of political polarization. They explore the data behind the phenomenon, revealing how voting behaviors reflect ideological divides. Dr. Garry also discusses the persuasive power of large language models, highlighting the psychological factors that lead users to trust AI outputs, along with the potential risks of this misplaced confidence.

Andrea Jones-Rooy discusses teaching the scientific method, managing uncertainty, and advocating for data literacy. Topics include rebranding 'data science' as 'data thinking', challenges in teaching data science, the impact of AI, and promoting problem-solving skills over technology reliance.

Dr. Andrea Jones-Rooy, a data scientist, research consultant, and stand-up comedian, joins the discussion on political polarization and the role of data in bridging divides. She sheds light on the influence of media echo chambers and how disagreement can spark better solutions. With humor and personal anecdotes, Jones-Rooy emphasizes the necessity of embracing diverse opinions for societal growth. The conversation also touches on the challenges of data overload and the importance of using data to foster unity in a divided world.

Josh Jennings, a writer for The Blaze and former producer, and Andrea Jones-Rooy, a data scientist and host of Behind the Data, engage in a thought-provoking dialogue about their contrasting political views. They address fears and hopes for democracy, exploring economic factors influencing voting choices. The pair reflects on personal voting experiences, the importance of civil discourse, and the historical context of dictatorship. With light-hearted moments, they emphasize the need for open conversations to bridge political divides and foster optimism in today’s climate.