Political crowdfunding does more than raise money – it can also rile up opponents

Crowdfunding has become a go-to means of raising money for political causes, but the monetary show of support can cause opponents to double down on their opposition.

Sanorita Dey, Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, University of Maryland, Baltimore County • conversation
July 18, 2022 • ~8 min

Behind the crypto hype is an ideology of social change

Many people promoting cryptocurrencies are looking for something bigger than the future of financial transactions. They’re aiming to break free of governments and corporations.

Rick Wash, Associate Professor of Information Science and Cybersecurity, Michigan State University • conversation
March 31, 2022 • ~6 min

Twitter's algorithm favours the political right, a recent study finds

Research shows Twitter tends to amplify the tweets of politically right-wing sources over left-leaning sources.

Shoaib Jameel, Lecturer in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, University of Essex • conversation
Jan. 31, 2022 • ~6 min

Seat belts and smoking rates show people eventually adopt healthy behaviors – but it can take time we don't have during a pandemic

Public health recommendations have always been a hard sell. Resistance to new behaviors – like the mask-wearing and social distancing advised during the COVID-19 pandemic – is part of human nature.

Randy P. Juhl, Dean Emeritus and Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh • conversation
Dec. 29, 2020 • ~7 min

Coronavirus responses highlight how humans are hardwired to dismiss facts that don't fit their worldview

Whether in situations relating to scientific consensus, economic history or current political events, denialism has its roots in what psychologists call 'motivated reasoning.'

Adrian Bardon, Professor of Philosophy, Wake Forest University • conversation
June 25, 2020 • ~9 min

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