A significant gender rating gap has been discovered in online reviews, with women's average ratings significantly higher than men's, driven by societal pressures to avoid backlash. The researchers emphasize the need for platform changes and societal shifts to create conditions where people feel comfortable sharing their true experiences.
A new study by economists at the University of Zurich finds that engaging in public discourse increases socially responsible market behavior regardless of participants' social norms and values. The researchers conducted three lab experiments with over 2,500 participants and observed a significant increase in trade with fair products wh...
A groundbreaking study found that individuals tend to cooperate even after being defected in social situations, contradicting traditional game theory models. The research suggests that humans are more forgiving and cooperative than previously thought, inspiring a need for revised models of game theory.
The study found that adherence to cultural myths about rape was the strongest predictor of assaultive behavior, even controlling for other factors. Men's personalities, such as rigid adherence to traditional gender roles and low empathy, were also linked to an increased risk of committing sexual assault.
Researchers analyzed over 6,400 tweets from young male Twitter users and found that posts using humor to stigmatize people or promote risky behaviors received more attention. The study's findings suggest that understanding how at-risk populations discuss HIV on social media can help design effective health campaigns to reach them.
Researchers found that people's dislike of both advantageous and disadvantageous inequality influences their support for redistribution policies. Those who strongly dislike both types of inequality are more likely to support policies aimed at reducing income gaps.
A new study finds that four unhealthy behaviors, including smoking and physical inactivity, contribute significantly to socioeconomic disparities in coronary artery disease mortality. The researchers conclude that targeted public health policies can help reduce these disparities and improve heart health for low-income individuals.
A study by Rezarta Bilali found that narrative interventions in soap operas can increase intergroup trust, promote role-modeling, and encourage people to create change in conflict-ridden areas. The research used experiments with radio and TV dramas across the world, showing positive effects of storytelling in shaping norms and raising ...
New research reveals that human-dog interactions synchronize brain activity, particularly in the frontal and parietal regions. Dogs with autism-associated genetic mutations show reduced synchronization, but treatment with LSD reverses this effect.
A recent study found that workplaces with high levels of collective engagement saw less employee turnover during the COVID-19 pandemic. Collective engagement refers to a shared sense of mission or community among store employees. The researchers also observed that stores with higher collective engagement had lower employee turnover rat...
A strong belief in own academic ability can help low-income children achieve success despite poverty. Research highlights the importance of addressing emotional and behavioural issues and strategies that foster belief in abilities.
A new study by Reichman University researchers found that individuals experiencing financial hardship tend to act more ethically, contrary to common beliefs. Despite economic temptation, those in need uphold their moral standards and actually cheat less than more affluent participants.
New research shows that social media fact-checking warning labels are broadly effective at reducing belief in and spreading of misinformation, even among those who distrust fact-checkers. The study found that warning labels can significantly reduce false headlines' accuracy ratings and willingness to share, regardless of participants' ...
A study found that children as young as six can contribute to group projects when there are clear and common goals. The researchers used a game where children worked together to fill a pool with water, with benefits for the whole group but individual costs. The results showed that most groups achieved their objectives and cooperated, e...
A study by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that in-person contact is crucial for reducing loneliness in older adults, while phone and digital contact are less effective. The study revealed that even weak social ties can benefit from in-person visits, leading to lower levels of reported loneliness.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that bonobos, known for their nonviolence, show a moderated version of the common enemy effect when faced with threats from other groups. The researchers suggest that this behavior may have emerged several million years ago, before human and chimpanzee lineages diverged.
Researchers used supercomputer simulations to study the evolution of social norms in subdivided communities. They found that these communities facilitate the emergence and stability of cooperative norms, which are essential for sustained cooperation.
A study by Indiana University Kelley School of Business found that Black employees are more likely to attribute workplace mistreatment to racial prejudice and make a pessimistic attribution. This leads to higher rates of depression compared to white employees. Organisations must create an inclusive workplace to reduce workplace mistrea...
A new study using COVID-19 lockdown data in Australia found that physical isolation made little difference to reported feelings of loneliness. Instead, the quality of social interactions and supportive networks were key factors in alleviating loneliness. Young people and extroverts showed increased loneliness during lockdowns.
A new University of Vermont study found that swine farmers' attitudes, particularly distrust of government, significantly impact their decision-making strategies regarding biosecurity. Farmers attending a single biosecurity education event improved farm biosecurity, even among those in the Biosecurity Skeptics group. The study also rev...
A new UBC study reveals regular seasonal shifts in people's moral values, with stronger endorsement of group cohesion and conformity in spring and fall. This finding has potential implications for politics, law, and health, including the timing of elections and court cases, as well as public response to a health crisis.
A UTEP study using fruit flies reveals that social settings enhance the stimulant effect of ethanol, linked to increased activity in the D1 dopamine receptor. This finding may lead to a better understanding of Alcohol Use Disorder and its vulnerability to social influences.
A new Drexel University study reveals that dance and movement therapy (DMT) can foster empathy, positive peer relationships, and cultural self-efficacy among middle school students. The program, developed by Nalini Prakash, aimed to address ethnic bullying and promote cross-cultural connections.
A recent study by the Universities of Bath and Essex reveals that a vast majority of American voters share fundamental values, with only 5% of extreme voters holding differing views. The researchers suggest that highlighting similarities between Republicans and Democrats can increase hope about the future and inspire trust.
A recent study by Prof. Meital Balmas Cohen found that highlighting Zelensky's warmth, morality, and communal traits boosts global empathy and pro-social behaviors towards Ukrainians. The research aimed to explore how national leaders can leverage their personality traits to influence public opinion.
A study by researchers at the University of Zurich found that LGBTIQ+ individuals and their cisgender heterosexual allies experienced higher stress levels during the 2021 Swiss national referendum on marriage equality. The campaign's negative impact was attenuated when individuals saw supportive statements from the 'yes' campaign.
Scientists have developed a formalised view to systematically compare internal world models across species. This enables the analysis of human and animal world models and their application to improve artificial intelligence. The study also aims to better understand mental illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia.
A study by Eötvös Loránd University found that domestication and human socialization alone are insufficient to trigger a human-analog attachment bond in companion animals. Dogs displayed specific behaviors typical of the attachment bond, unlike pigs, which did not exhibit these behaviors.
Researchers analyzed live-streams of hurricanes and storms, finding that people in affected areas used streams to discuss official risk advice and show support to impacted regions. The study highlights the importance of understanding how new technologies influence hazard risk perception and community engagement.
A modeling study suggests that prosocial behaviors can arise and be maintained in large societies through various mechanisms, including influencers who recruit neighbors to cooperate. The strategy produced similar results as strong leadership that prevents detected defectors from defecting again.
A new study found that engaging in meaningful social interactions with peers is associated with lower loneliness and greater affective well-being. The research also highlights the importance of context in these interactions, suggesting that online or offline settings have a positive impact on well-being during lockdowns.
Researchers found that people are more likely to accuse others of lying when AI makes an accusation, highlighting the need for caution in implementing similar technologies. The study suggests that over-reliance on AI lie-detection tools may lead to careless accusations and reinforce biases.
A new mixed-methods study found that pregnant and postpartum people who died by suicide were more likely to experience intimate partner problems, depression, substance abuse, and health problems. The study highlights the need for policies and practices targeting these factors to reduce perinatal suicide risk.
A new study finds that people's attitudes are deeply linked to language and culture, with associations matching large AI models' outputs. The researchers used data from over 100,000 Americans and 53 languages to understand how biases are transmitted through language.
A new study suggests that ambivalence about a political issue can lead people with polarized views to compensate for their discomfort by supporting extreme actions. Researchers found that those with strong but conflicted views were more likely to support extreme actions, such as getting opponents fired from their jobs, than others.
A study conducted by the University of Zurich found that interventions against misinformation also breed distrust in fact-based news sources. The researchers tested three corrective strategies and found that they foster a broader sense of doubt among the public, even toward legitimate information.
A study by Zachary Estes and colleagues found that constricted pupils (smaller irises) enhance physical attractiveness by making eyes appear brighter. This contradicts previous research suggesting dilated pupils make people more attractive.
Researchers found that men exhibit grandiose narcissism, while women display vulnerable narcissism, which is associated with a greater risk of perpetrating intimate partner violence and bullying. Vulnerable narcissism in women can also lead to subtle but significant harm.
A study of over 24,000 people found that mixed social networks with diverse friends improve social cohesion and personal well-being. People with heterogeneous friend groups reported higher levels of social cohesion within their neighborhoods, closely associated with increased life satisfaction.
According to MSU research, linguistically simple headlines engage readers more than complex ones. The study found that simplicity impacts how often people click on stories, leading to increased demand for good journalism. By writing simply, news organizations can make their content more approachable and accessible to a wider audience.
A University of Copenhagen study explores how people justify their reluctance to cut down on meat consumption. Participants deployed various excuses, including shaming vegans and avocados as being 'climate-unfriendly', to maintain a morally responsible self-image.
A recent study from the University of Toronto analyzed data from 912 participants aged 16-30 and found that nearly 60% used protein bars and over half used whey protein powders. The study highlights alarming symptoms, including fatigue, digestive issues, and cardiovascular problems, with only 9.8% perceiving their use as problematic.
A new study by UCL researchers found that socially connected older people experienced a sharper drop in quality of life and life satisfaction during the pandemic. In contrast, more isolated adults experienced a greater decline in loneliness but similar levels of life satisfaction.
A new study found that benevolent humour among medical assistants improves their job satisfaction and receives more positive feedback, while dark humour like sarcasm has negative effects. The study suggests using humour consciously and appropriately in patient interactions.
A study from Binghamton University reveals that men with 'toxic masculinity' tend to act on passive responses, regardless of consent. Men who display hostile masculinity view situations as more consensual and are more likely to escalate intimacy.
A new study by University of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business researchers suggests that most political debates occur among family and friends, rather than with strangers on social media. Participants reported positive emotions after discussions, even on divisive topics.
A new study found that spending money on experiences, such as concerts, restaurants, or travel, increases feelings of social connection and similarity with others. In contrast, buying material goods has a lesser effect on these connections. The research suggests that this could lead to improved health and happiness.
Researchers developed a new theory on how market dynamics can lead consumers to make risky purchases despite being cautious. The study found that social information and the desire for low prices can create collective ignorance of risks, leading to spiraling risk and poor decision-making.
The study found that the temporal binding window expands logarithmically with increasing group size, while remaining unaffected by group dynamics. Participants integrate clapping sounds to perceive simultaneity, adjusting their perception of time based on task involvement.
A new assessment tool developed by researchers at Northwestern University predicts suicidal thoughts and behaviors with an average accuracy of 92%. The tool uses a simple picture-ranking task along with contextual variables to identify individuals at risk of self-harm.
A review of meta-analyses found that interventions targeting individual determinants like habits, behavioral attitudes, and skills are more effective than those targeting knowledge, general attitudes, and beliefs. Social-structural determinants like social support and institutional policies also show promise in changing behavior.
Researchers caution that current AI-based deception detection methods are plagued by a lack of explainability, risk of biased results, and deficits in theoretical foundation. They emphasize the need for controlled laboratory experiments, large and diverse data sets, and validation on independent datasets to ensure accurate results.
Disposable vape sales quadrupled in the UK between 2022 and 2023, contributing to e-waste accumulation. The technology contains valuable resources like lithium, but recycling is often difficult due to lack of clear instructions. Experts call for urgent reform of disposable electronics practices to protect the environment.
A study of 2,780 participants found that people generally trust scientists, but levels vary depending on the field. Trust is driven by perceptions of competence and morality, with controversy sparking greater importance of morality.
A team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania explored how Bayesian and abductive reasoning can be used to model social dynamics. They found that in some scenarios, simple guesswork can lead to more cooperation than complicated calculus, while in others it may result in less cooperation due to stricter judgment criteria.
A recent study by psychologists from Simon Fraser University and the University of Sussex found that people are hesitant to reconnect with old friends, even when they want to. Despite having capacity and desire to do so, only about a third of participants send messages to rekindle lost friendships.
Developing positive coach-parent relationships is crucial for maximizing psychosocial and developmental outcomes in youth sport. A new scoping review highlights the characteristics of effective and ineffective relationships, providing useful signposts for improvement.
The SUNRISE European Study Group urges European countries to take specific actions to promote healthy movement behaviors in children under five years. Effective policies targeting upstream environmental influences are required to equitably change movement behaviors among European populations.
A Tulane University study found that ephemeral photos on dating apps can lead to better outcomes for users, increasing the number of matches and conversations. The research suggests that people are more willing to share personal info due to higher levels of privacy.
The study found that heart rate decreases and parasympathetic activity increases when interacting with friends, but not strangers. This suggests that social relationships influence physiological responses during social interactions.