Leonardo Bursztyn

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.

Leonardo Bursztyn, a researcher from the University of Chicago, discusses the impact of misperceived social norms on female labor force participation in Saudi Arabia. He explores the research process, tools and methods used, and the benefits of conducting experiments in economic theory research.