In today's digital age, we're surrounded by algorithms that shape our daily lives in ways we may not even realize. From social media algorithms that decide what content we see to predictive policing algorithms that influence law enforcement decisions, algorithmic culture is ubiquitous and powerful. So, what is algorithmic culture, and how does it shape our lives and perceptions? At its core, algorithmic culture refers to the way algorithms and the data they process have become embedded in contemporary culture. According to Lev Manovich, a leading academic in the field, algorithmic culture is "a new way of producing and representing knowledge based on data analysis, and a new form of power." In other words, algorithms are not just tools but are also shaping the way we understand and interact with the world around us. One example of algorithmic culture in action is the use of predictive algorithms in the criminal justice system. Proponents argue that these algorithms can help prevent crime by identifying high-risk individuals before they offend. However, critics argue that these algorithms reinforce existing racial biases and lead to unfair treatment of certain groups. Another example is the use of recommendation algorithms on social media platforms. These algorithms decide what content we see based on our past behavior and interests, creating a "filter bubble" that can limit our exposure to diverse viewpoints. Despite its potential pitfalls, algorithmic culture also offers new opportunities for creativity and innovation. For example, computer-generated art is a growing field that harnesses the power of algorithms to produce unique and compelling works. As we navigate our increasingly algorithmic world, it's important to understand the ways in which these tools shape our lives and perceptions. By engaging with academic research and exploring new ideas, we can become more informed and empowered citizens in the digital age.

In the world of risk and prediction, are you a hedgehog or a fox? The philosopher Isaiah Berlin wrote about the two animals, with the hedgehog knowing one big thing and the fox knowing many things. Political scientist Philip Tetlock found that foxes were better at predicting than hedgehogs, who were too confident in their forecasts. To be a good forecaster, one needs to be open to new knowledge, have insight into biases, and be willing to acknowledge uncertainty and change their minds. Rather than saying what will happen, good forecasters give probabilities for future events. So, are you willing to be a fox and adapt to changing circumstances, or will you be a hedgehog and stick to one overarching way of looking at the world? By being a fox, you can improve your ability to predict and make better decisions for the future.

The Prisoner's Dilemma is a classic problem that can shed light on a range of real-world phenomena. In this dilemma, two people face a choice: cooperate and both do well, or fail to cooperate and both do worse. Understanding this dilemma can help you see how cooperation is key to solving complex problems, from overfishing to pollution to creating just societies. By exploring the underlying structure of this problem, you can gain insight into the benefits of cooperation, and how to approach complex situations where your choices impact those around you. Learning about the Prisoner's Dilemma can help you become a better problem solver, both intellectually and practically, by equipping you with the tools you need to think critically and work collaboratively with others.

Can AI-generated persuasive appeals sway human opinions on hot social issues? Stanford researchers find out. Chatbots' political persuasion has significant implications for democracy and national security. Discover how AI fared in the experiment and why it calls for immediate consideration of regulations.

Delve into the world of game theory and discover how it revolutionized economics and social organization. John von Neumann and Oskar Morgenstern's groundbreaking mathematical theory, first published more than sixty years ago, has since been widely used to analyze real-world phenomena including arms races, vaccination policy, and even major league baseball salary negotiations. This sixtieth anniversary edition of Theory of Games and Economic Behavior includes an introduction by Harold Kuhn, an afterword by Ariel Rubinstein, and reviews from the New York Times and the American Economic Review. Discover the work whose influence will resound for generations to come. Recommended for students of economics, mathematics, political science, and sociology, as well as professionals in the fields of policy-making, game design, and business strategy. This book is also relevant to anyone interested in understanding how mathematical models can be used to analyze complex social phenomena. Whether you are curious about how game theory applies to presidential elections, vaccination policy, or even major league baseball salary negotiations, this book provides a fascinating introduction to the subject. Moreover, the book includes reviews and articles from the time of its original publication, providing readers with a historical perspective on the development of game theory as a field of scientific inquiry.

Does money buy happiness? Research shows that, on average, larger incomes are associated with ever-increasing levels of happiness. But the relationship becomes more complex when considering emotional well-being. An adversarial collaboration between researchers from Princeton and Penn universities reconciles contradictory findings and shows that, while most people experience greater happiness with larger incomes, an unhappy cohort in each income group shows a sharp rise in happiness up to $100,000 annually and then plateaus. For everyone else, more money was associated with higher happiness to somewhat varying degrees.

Information overload is a growing concern in today's world, where technology has made it easier for businesses to access vast amounts of data. However, this has led to the paradox of too much information and too little time, leading to individuals and organizations struggling to make informed decisions. The impact of information overload on decision making has become a major topic of discussion among leading academics, such as Daniel Kahneman and Richard Thaler, who have explored the role of heuristics and biases in decision making. Studies have shown that individuals who have access to more information tend to experience increased anxiety and stress, leading to poor decision making and decision avoidance. Businesses have taken advantage of this by presenting their customers with an overwhelming amount of information to make their decision more difficult, often leading to impulsive purchases. This practice, known as 'nudge theory', was popularized by Thaler and Cass Sunstein, who argued that by presenting individuals with a small change to the environment, they can be influenced to make a different decision. An example of how businesses use information overload to their advantage is the use of advertisements on social media. Advertisers use algorithms to determine which advertisements to show to each user, often leading to an endless scroll of irrelevant or unwanted advertisements. This leads to individuals feeling overwhelmed and bombarded, often leading to impulsive purchases, simply to make the advertisements stop. To prevent falling victim to information overload and poor decision making, it is important to practice critical thinking and to seek out reliable sources of information. This can be done by asking questions, seeking out multiple perspectives, and by taking the time to reflect on one's own thoughts and feelings. In conclusion, by understanding how businesses use information overload to their advantage, we can make more informed decisions and take control of our own lives.

The concept of the "Prisoner's Dilemma" has been studied for over 60 years for its insights into political, military, and economic affairs. The scenario involves two criminals who must decide whether to cooperate or betray each other, with each facing different consequences based on their actions. This dilemma highlights the conflict between self-interest and cooperation, and how rational individuals acting in their own self-interest can bring about the worst-case scenario. Learning about this concept can help students understand the importance of cooperation and the dangers of solely focusing on individual self-interest. It also has practical applications in fields such as politics, economics, and international relations. By exploring this concept through reading, reflection, and self-directed projects, students can gain a deeper understanding of human behavior and decision-making.

Costly signaling, in which people display their wealth to seem desirable, has been around for a while now! From high-end Rolex watches to modest co-workers, discover how we use wealth, status and behavior to impress others and how game theory explains this seemingly irrational behavior.

Are you using AI-powered writing assistants to help you with your school work? A new study from Cornell University has found that these tools not only put words into your mouth but also ideas into your head. The study shows that the biases baked into AI writing tools could have concerning repercussions for culture and politics. Co-author Mor Naaman, professor at the Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute at Cornell Tech, warns that apart from increasing efficiency and creativity, there could be other consequences for individuals and society. Read more about this groundbreaking study at Cornell University.

Academic concepts like technology, media control, and truth-telling are explored in George Orwell's work, particularly in his novel 1984. Orwell's fascination with technology and its potential is relatable to our own generation's interest in social media and online identity. The novel's portrayal of a state controlling all media and messaging is contrasted with our diverse media landscape today, although some states still try to suppress online speech. Orwell's commitment to truth-telling is a valuable lesson for us today, as we navigate the spread of mistruths and lies on social media. By exploring these academic concepts, we can better understand the role of technology in our lives and the importance of staying vigilant against attempts to control or manipulate information.

Are you curious about the risks of artificial intelligence (AI) and how it affects our lives? Check out the thought-provoking article, "What We Missed about Social Media," on JSTOR Daily. The author shares their experience working in social media before it became the corporate giant it is today, and how it has changed the way we interact with each other. Discover how generative AI can dehumanize us, mislead us, and manipulate us, and why we need to be aware of its implications. Don't miss out on this insightful read!

The Imperial College Business School conducted a study that reveals the wealth gap in the US has grown faster than in Europe, and the primary cause of this phenomenon is the significant increases in stock market prices. The research aims to explore the reasons behind the growing wealth inequality in the US and identify the necessary actions to address it.

Want to make social media a more positive and inclusive space? Researchers from King's College London and Harvard University have created a framework to prioritize content that fosters positive debate, deliberation and cooperation on social media. Algorithms that surface content aimed at building positive interactions could be more highly ranked, leading to more meaningful online interactions and a reduction in destructive conflict.

Customers feel better when decisions are made in their favor by a person rather than an algorithm. But why is this the case? A new paper by Wharton marketing professor Stefano Puntoni and colleagues explores the psychological reasons behind customer's positive and negative reactions to decisions made by humans vs algorithms.

Effective altruism has been a cornerstone in solving global problems, relying heavily on quantitative metrics. But what about the ideas, experiences, and problems that resist quantification? Let's explore how we can create a more nuanced and inclusive framework for giving that incorporates unique passions.

Economics is the scientific investigation of how human societies utilize limited resources to satisfy their desires and demands. It offers a comprehensive view of how people, corporations, and authorities determine the most efficient methods of generating, exchanging, and consuming products and services to achieve their objectives. One of the most interesting aspects of Economics is the way it applies to real-world scenarios. For example, how the price of a particular good affects consumer behavior, or how international trade agreements can impact economies on a global scale. This makes it a relevant and meaningful subject to study. The field of Economics is constantly evolving, with new research and innovations being produced all the time. For example, the recent Nobel Prize-winning work of Esther Duflo and Abhijit Banerjee in the area of development economics, which looks at ways to alleviate poverty and improve the lives of people in developing countries. The work of Paul Krugman in international trade and Joseph Stiglitz in information economics are also important contributions to the field. At the undergraduate level, typical majors in Economics include microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and international economics. These modules provide students with a foundation in economic theory, statistical analysis, and problem-solving. From there, students can specialize in areas such as financial economics, environmental economics, or public policy. A degree in Economics can lead to a wide range of careers in various industries. Some examples of potential jobs include financial analyst, market research analyst, economist, data analyst, and policy analyst. Notable employers in this field include the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and Federal Reserve. Additionally, many private companies such as Amazon and Google hire economists to help with business strategy and analysis. To succeed in Economics, it is helpful to have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as an interest in current events and trends. Students who enjoy math and data analysis will also find this subject rewarding.

Have you ever found yourself struggling to resist the temptation of immediate gratification, even when you know it's not in your best long-term interest? If so, you've experienced the cognitive bias of intertemporal discounting, a fascinating and pervasive phenomenon in human decision-making. Intertemporal discounting is the tendency to place greater value on immediate rewards than on delayed rewards, even if the latter is objectively more significant. This bias can lead to a range of harmful behaviors, from overspending and procrastination to addiction and poor health choices. But why do we succumb to intertemporal discounting, and what can we do about it? One leading theory suggests that our brains are wired to prioritize short-term gains because our evolutionary ancestors needed to survive in a constantly changing and uncertain environment. Another theory suggests that cultural and societal factors, such as advertising and peer pressure, also play a role in shaping our discounting behavior. Regardless of the underlying causes, the consequences of intertemporal discounting are clear. For example, research has shown that people who discount the future more heavily are more likely to be overweight, have lower academic achievement, and experience more financial difficulties. However, understanding and addressing intertemporal discounting is not just important for individuals. It has broader implications for public policy and the economy. For instance, policymakers need to take into account the fact that people often prioritize short-term benefits over long-term costs, which can lead to unsustainable policies and practices. So, what can we do to mitigate the effects of intertemporal discounting? One approach is to increase awareness and education about the bias, so people can recognize when it's happening and make more deliberate, future-oriented decisions. Another approach is to use behavioral interventions, such as rewards and reminders, to nudge people towards more patient and thoughtful decision-making. Leading academics in this field include Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman, who developed prospect theory, and George Ainslie, who proposed the hyperbolic discounting model. Their research has shed light on the complex and multifaceted nature of intertemporal discounting and its impact on human behavior. By exploring the cognitive bias of intertemporal discounting, you can gain a deeper understanding of human decision-making and learn strategies to make better choices for yourself and for society as a whole.

Jaron Lanier, the father of virtual reality, presents a daringly original critique of our digital networks in his book, "Who Owns the Future?". He argues that the concentration of money and power in these networks has led to the recession, endangered privacy, and hollowed out the middle class. Lanier predicts how technology will transform our humanity and offers a path towards a brighter future, proposing an information economy that rewards ordinary people for what they do and share on the web. This provocative and deeply humane book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, economics, and society. Recommended for students of economics, computer science, sociology, and political science, as well as professionals in the tech industry and policymakers interested in the impact of technology on society. The book's exploration of the concentration of money and power in digital networks and its effects on the economy, privacy, and the middle class is relevant to anyone concerned with the future of work and the role of technology in shaping society. Furthermore, Lanier's proposal for an information economy that values the contributions of ordinary people offers a refreshing alternative to the current state of affairs.

Are you fascinated by current world events and the interactions between nations, cultures, and societies? Do you want to explore the complexities of global politics and diplomacy? If so, studying International Relations at university undergraduate level might be the perfect fit for you. International Relations is a dynamic and ever-changing field of study that examines the relationships between countries and how they interact with each other on a global scale. It delves into the complexities of international politics, economics, and culture, and explores how these factors shape the world we live in. One of the most appealing aspects of studying International Relations is the opportunity to learn about real-life examples of international relations at work. From the UN peacekeeping missions to the Paris Climate Agreement, you will learn about some of the most significant events and agreements in modern history. You will also get to study the works of well-known academic figures such as Joseph Nye and Samuel Huntington, who have contributed groundbreaking theories to the field. At the undergraduate level, typical majors and modules include International Political Economy, Global Governance, and International Security. You can also specialize in areas such as Middle Eastern Studies or Human Rights, depending on your interests. For example, you could study the role of women in conflict resolution in the Middle East or analyze the impact of climate change on global security. After completing your degree, there are numerous potential career paths you could take. You could work in government agencies or think tanks, consulting firms, or international organizations such as the United Nations or the World Bank. You could also work in the private sector, with companies such as Google or ExxonMobil, who have a global presence and need employees with an understanding of international relations. To succeed in this field, it's helpful to have a strong interest in current world events and a desire to understand how they fit into the bigger picture. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills are also crucial, as is the ability to communicate effectively and work well in a team. So if you're passionate about global issues and want to make a positive impact on the world, studying International Relations at university undergraduate level could be the perfect choice for you.