Benjamin Handel

Benjamin Handel, a Professor of Economics at UC Berkeley, and Neale Mahoney, a Stanford University Economics Professor, dive into the perplexing issue of 'sludge'—bureaucratic inefficiencies that complicate everyday interactions. They discuss the frustrating complexities of the U.S. healthcare system, contrasting it with more streamlined models. The conversation also highlights the challenges consumers face with subscription services, exploring how automated systems can entrap users, impacting their finances and experiences dramatically.

Jennifer Pahlka, founder of Code for America, teams up with UC Berkeley's Benjamin Handel, an expert in health care economics. They dive into the sludge of bureaucratic inefficiencies in Washington, D.C., and how even Elon Musk is implicated. The discussion touches on consumer rights, data privacy in healthcare, and the pressing need for reform in government digital infrastructure. They offer innovative solutions for reducing complexity and enhancing service delivery, all while advocating for a future where technology streamlines rather than complicates.

Leonardo Bursztyn, a University of Chicago economics professor, and Benjamin Handel from UC Berkeley dive into the fascinating world of social media traps. They discuss how social environments shape our choices, revealing why so many users wish social media didn’t exist yet feel compelled to stay. The conversation explores how peer influence drives users to avoid deactivating their accounts, drawing parallels between social media addiction and cigarette dependency. Ultimately, they examine the societal impacts of these platforms and question their inherent value in our lives.