Why are we so vulnerable to misinformation?

How do we make better choices?

Do we react to the immediacy of information or the quality of that information?

Turns out, immediacy carries the day.  Worse yet, if that misinformation confirms our previously held biases or beliefs, we are even more susceptible to its influence.

It all has to do with Nudge Theory; a breakthrough in Behavioral Economics that was based on the pioneering research of  two Israeli psychologists:  Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky in the 1970's that examined why people make the choices that they do.

Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein developed the human bahevior patterns discovered by Kahneman and Tversky and formed them into a cohesive theory that attempts to explain human decision making in a more complete way than other theories of choice-making.

In 2017, Richard Thaler won the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for Nudge Theory.

Let's look at how we can use the best of what Nudge Theory has to offer to make sure we protect ourselves from misinformation and make the decisions that enhance the quality of our lives.

Where to learn more:

Thaler, Richard H. 2018. "From Cashews to Nudges: The Evolution of Behavioral Economics." American Economic Review,  108 (6): 1265-87.

How do we help ourselves to enhance our overall sense of effectiveness and autonomy?  What if I told you that there is data that supports the idea that helping others helps us to do just that?  In this episode, we will take a deeper dive into what Autonomy is and what it isn't.  We'll also look at the idea that Autonomy might be the single basic human need to rule them all.  Finally, we'll examine a number of theoretical connections to autonomy and the larger behavioral research in order to grab a Three Step Method for enhancing our own Autonomy.  Stick around!  It will be a fun ride!

This episode continues our exploration of Eudaimonia and its six basic constructs.  The first one, Autonomy, is our subject today!

References:

Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2008). Hedonia, eudaimonia, and well-being: an introduction. Journal of Happiness Studies, 9(1), 1–11. https://doi-org.pallas2.tcl.sc.edu/10.1007/s10902-006-9018-1

Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-Determination Theory and the Facilitation of Intrinsic Motivation, Social Development, and Well-Being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68. https://doi-org.pallas2.tcl.sc.edu/10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.68

Ryff, C. D. (2013). Psychological Well-Being Revisited: Advances in the Science and Practice of Eudaimonia. Psychotherapy & Psychosomatics, 83(1), 10–28. https://doi-org.pallas2.tcl.sc.edu/10.1159/000353263

Just a brief episode on how and why I developed the Positive Pod, and a preview of Season Two!  Check it out!