Words Matter

Media

Out-Group Hate Is Highly Likely to Go Viral Online

Steve Rathje on June 24, 2021

A new study reveals social media's perverse incentive structure.

A new study reveals social media's perverse incentive structure.

Play

The Science of Live Theatre

Steve Rathje on April 13, 2021

Does seeing theatre change us? A new study shows the benefits of attending live theatre.

Does seeing theatre change us? A new study shows the benefits of attending live theatre.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Will the Coronavirus Bring Us Together or Push Us Apart?

Steve Rathje on March 18, 2020

The current crisis is drawing comparisons to 9/11, but its psychological effects may be very different.

The current crisis is drawing comparisons to 9/11, but its psychological effects may be very different.

Bias

You Know Less Than You Think

Steve Rathje on August 19, 2019

Realizing how little we know may improve our political conversations.

Realizing how little we know may improve our political conversations.

Bias

The Danger of Searching for One True Cause

Steve Rathje on January 25, 2019

Why our preference for single-cause explanations is a problem.

Why our preference for single-cause explanations is a problem.

Empathy

Do We Need a Common Enemy?

Steve Rathje on December 17, 2018

Enemies can fill important needs in our lives.

Enemies can fill important needs in our lives.

Identity

Why People Ignore Facts

Steve Rathje on October 25, 2018

When it comes to reasoning, identity trumps truth.

When it comes to reasoning, identity trumps truth.

Media

How to Get More People to Vote

Steve Rathje on September 12, 2018

Evidence-backed strategies for the next election.

Evidence-backed strategies for the next election.

Depression

Don't Say That Depression Is Caused by a Chemical Imbalance

Steve Rathje on August 9, 2018

Research suggests that talking about mental illness as if it's a "brain disease" may be misguided.

Research suggests that talking about mental illness as if it's a "brain disease" may be misguided.

Trauma

Do Trigger Warnings Help or Harm?

Steve Rathje on August 1, 2018

A new study suggests that they are harmful, but it has major limitations.

A new study suggests that they are harmful, but it has major limitations.

Cognition

Dehumanizing Metaphors Lead to Dehumanizing Policies

Steve Rathje on July 28, 2018

Research suggests that dehumanizing language can have damaging effects.

Research suggests that dehumanizing language can have damaging effects.

False Memories

When Correcting a Lie, Don't Repeat It. Do This Instead.

Steve Rathje on July 23, 2018

Correcting false claims often backfires. Here's how to fight back against false claims without spreading them further.

Correcting false claims often backfires. Here's how to fight back against false claims without spreading them further.