Jeff Hancock

Jeff Hancock, a professor specializing in online emotional contagion, teams up with Dr. Laurie Santos to explore the power of laughter. They discuss how laugh tracks in TV shape our emotional responses and enhance joy. The conversation shifts to the dynamics of digital communication, revealing how emotions can spread through online interactions. They also highlight the impact of social media on our well-being and advocate for mindful engagement to foster positivity, both online and in everyday life.

Stanford professor Jeff Hancock discusses the impact of generative AI tools on human communication, exploring issues like language homogenization, biases, trust, and the use of GPT-3 for tailored content. The podcast delves into AI's role in assessing student work, risks of misinformation, deep fakes in critical situations, and combating fake news on social media.

Jeff Hancock, founding director of the Stanford Social Media Lab, brings his expertise in psychological processes to the discussion of online communication. He emphasizes that psychology trumps technology in social media, highlighting how human motivations shape our interactions. Hancock warns of the double-edged sword of social media on mental health while advocating for authentic communication. He offers strategies for building trust and engagement, showcasing the power of storytelling in connecting with audiences in a digital world.