Mina Cikara

Mina Cikara, a Harvard psychologist studying intergroup bias, and Jamil Zaki, a Stanford professor and author of "The War for Kindness," dive into the darker aspects of group identity and conflict. They discuss the escalating dangers of biases, especially in sports rivalries and societal divisions. The duo emphasizes empathy as a powerful tool for fostering connection in a fractured world. They also explore how sharing personal narratives can bridge ideological gaps, encouraging kindness as a remedy to hatred.

Have you ever gotten into a heated argument about politics? Maybe you’ve said something you're not proud of during game night with friends, or booed the opposing team at a sporting event. Psychologist Mina Cikara studies what happens in these moments — when our mindset shifts from “you and me” to “us and them.” This week on the show, Mina shares the profound ways that becoming a part of a group shapes our thoughts, feelings and behaviors.If you like this show, be sure to check out our other work, including our recent episode exploring whether there's any merit to the idea that "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger."Also, check out our new podcast, My Unsung Hero! And if you'd like to support our work, you can do so at support.hiddenbrain.org.