“Early on, people are very cautious, they're very risk averse, they take all the measures. But then ... after time, they habituate to the risk.” — Tali Sharot
BRAIN WAVES
Air it out. How does air pollution affect our behavior? Researchers from Zhejiang University and Shandong University in China wondered if exposure to pollution led people to make more irrational decisions. In a lab environment, they burned straw and mosquito coils to “fill the air with fine particles and odors,” according to the study. They then asked volunteers to engage in a task that involved trading stocks, and analyzed their choices. They found that when people were exposed to the “pollution,” it made them stressed out and uncomfortable, which then nudged them to make more emotional and less rational decisions. Specifically, people were more likely to sell winning stocks or buy back stocks they had previously sold when exposed to pollution.
Rumor has it... There are benefits to gossip — namely, it makes us more social and can even have a calming effect. But the perks of gossip can come at a cost. In a new study, researchers looked at the effect of workplace gossip on outsiders. They asked third-party observers (that is, workers who were not involved in the gossiping) about their views on the gossipers and non-gossipers. Gossipers were seen as more social but also less trustworthy, and this influenced how people interacted with them. Colleagues were more likely to ask gossipers for advice about social tasks (like planning a welcome lunch), but they were less likely to ask them for advice on issues that had to do with morals or competence. The study concluded that gossip is seen as a way to “gain social power by harming others’ reputations.”
Work it out. Many of us spend our workdays responding to a never-ending stream of emails and texts. We feel stressed out and perpetually behind on our to-do list. But what if there was a better way to work? Listen to learn more.
ON THE HIDDEN BRAIN PODCAST
Making the World Sparkle Again: Across every domain of our lives, our minds have a tendency to get accustomed to things. In fact, the brain seems evolutionarily designed to focus on the new and unexpected, on novel threats and opportunities. In our daily lives, this means we take wonderful things for granted. We cease to appreciate amazing people, or the good fortune of being healthy. This week, neuroscientist Tali Sharot explains why we get used to things — and how to see with fresh eyes.
ON THE MY UNSUNG HERO PODCAST
Angela Zhao’s story: Shortly before it was her turn to perform in a piano competition, Angela's nerves were getting the best of her. Then a competitor did something that changed her day — and her life.
Don’t forget to send us the story of your unsung hero! Record a voice memo on your phone and email it to myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org.
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MIND GAMES
What do the numbers 11, 69, and 88 all have in common?
LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE
If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?
Answer: zero
A MOMENT OF JOY
Congrats are in order for this college graduate who fetched a diploma. Let's hope his student loans are still on paws.
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