Blog Archives

How conspiracy theories polarize society and provoke violence

How conspiracy theories polarize society and provoke violence

In today’s technologically interconnected world, the ability to concoct and spread conspiracy theories has become easier than ever before. This became evident after the recent assassination attempt on former U.S. president Donald Trump. Millions flocked to social media to share their interpretations of the event and the would-be assasin’s supposed motives. “BlueAnon” theories suggested that the attack was […] … learn more→

Social media hijacks our attention and we resign ourselves to it

Social media hijacks our attention and we resign ourselves to it

          hxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxtrPreview changes in AMP (opens in new window) Remember The Matrix or Batman Forever ? In these dystopian movies, technological gadgets were able to read people’s desires, collect that information, and then use it to shape or predict people’s future behavior at will. In both science fiction stories, the villains managed to lull the citizens to […] … learn more→

7 ways to avoid becoming a misinformation superspreader when the news is shocking

7 ways to avoid becoming a misinformation superspreader when the news is shocking

The problem of misinformation isn’t going away – and may be getting worse, in the wake of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Internet platforms like Facebook and X have taken some steps to curb its spread and say they are working on doing more. But no method yet introduced has been completely successful at removing […] … learn more→

Catching online scammers: our model combines data and behavioural science to map the psychological games cybercriminals play

Catching online scammers: our model combines data and behavioural science to map the psychological games cybercriminals play

When fiction’s most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, needed to solve a crime, he turned to his sharp observational skills and deep understanding of human nature. He used this combination more than once when facing off against his arch-nemesis, Dr James Moriarty, a villain adept at exploiting human weaknesses for his gain. This classic battle mirrors today’s […] … learn more→

Brave against bullies: how to foster an environment of respect and solidarity in schools and institutes

Brave against bullies: how to foster an environment of respect and solidarity in schools and institutes

Recent international reports on bullying show that we are facing a problem throughout the world, with negative effects on the school performance and health of minors. In Spain, one of the latest studies published reveals that these types of situations have been reduced, although it is a survey of opinions among students, so we do not have data on […] … learn more→

Why we are so bad at detecting lies

Why we are so bad at detecting lies

You don’t need to be in the middle of an election campaign to worry about your ability to spot a lie. Psychology research suggests that people lie at least once a day. A 2006 study of 206 documents found that we are just a little better than chance at guessing whether we are dealing with a lie or not, […] … learn more→

School interventions offer best shot at reducing youth violence

School interventions offer best shot at reducing youth violence

Black youth show up in emergency rooms with gunshot wounds or other violent injuries at an alarming and disproportionate rate in the United States. Some hospitals have violence interventions that can be effective in keeping these kids safer after they are treated, but in most cases victims are sent back into the world to continue their struggles. What if […] … learn more→

Bells, rabbits, eggs… Where do the symbols of Easter come from?

Bells, rabbits, eggs… Where do the symbols of Easter come from?

The Easter season is common to Jewish and Christian religions, and is accompanied by festive rites and traditions, of which religious and pagan versions survive today, peppered with numerous symbols. The first Passover, Pessah , cited in the Old Testament, in the book of Exodus ( https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A9der_de_Pessa%27h). Easter, the holiday for Christians Christ Jesus died in Jerusalem, during the Jewish […] … learn more→

“Child influencers”: is this reasonable?

“Child influencers”: is this reasonable?

Their names are Swan, Kalys, Athena, Ryan, Mila, Lili-Rose or Hugo. They are sometimes nicknamed the “Sephora kids”. They are between 3 and 15 years old, and they are followed by millions of fans on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat. They are child influencers. These minor children, sometimes even still babies, are exposed daily by their parents to “views” […] … learn more→

What does it really mean to be 'feminazi'?

What does it really mean to be ‘feminazi’?

In response to the feminist upheaval among citizens and the progressive institutionalization of equality policies, anti-feminist reactions are occurring , generally coming from conservative groups. The anti-feminist reaction is a recurring phenomenon , since it returns every time women begin to make some progress towards equality. Considered inherently reactionary, this response would be motivated by a feeling of revenge and […] … learn more→