Social media’s echo chambers not such a big problem
Most people obtain their information from multiple sources. Social media’s dreaded “echo chambers” have little significance for most of us, a new study shows.
Sociology
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An automated box on wheels — with personality
Robots are becoming more and more omnipresent in our lives, even though we may not notice. New research shows that when a boxy motorized hospital robot can talk, people find it funny and engaging. And that may help people be more willing to accept new technologies, like robots, in their everyday lives.
People do not learn from regretting one night stands
Do you regret what you did the last time you had the option of a one night stand? You probably have not learned anything to help you next time.
Piece work increases drug use among Americans
Young workers in the United States who earn piece work wages drink more and have a 35 per cent higher risk for using hard drugs.
Hospital financial performance overemphasized, say doctors
Some patients are more profitable for Norwegian hospitals than others. Most hospital physicians believe that managers care too much about the financial operation of hospitals.
New technology could increase health inequities
Rich countries get vaccines first. People with high status or a lot of money are healthier and live longer. New technology could increase the disparities.
Which conspiracy theory do you believe in?
Everyone believes in at least one conspiracy theory, according to conspiracy researchers. Conspiracy theories aren’t reserved for angry Republicans in the United States. Do you think Biden stole the election?
Why we use our smartphone at cafés
Why do people fiddle with their smartphones when they’re with other people? Researchers have identified three main reasons.
Pandemic has revealed our dependence on migrant workers
Food production was quickly declared a socially critical function with the outbreak of the pandemic. The dependence of agricultural and food industry sectors on migrant workers has never been clearer, one researcher says.
Social media “likes” and comments lead to poorer self-esteem
Girls who “like” and comment on what others post on social media develop a worse self-image over time. Posting on your own profile doesn’t have the same effect.
How women and men forgive infidelity
Men and women react differently to different types of infidelity. But new findings about how we forgive cheating by our partners surprised researchers.
Researchers find commonalities in all crises
In the aftermath of a crisis, it is always easy to see how the crisis could have been better handled, and then we put new measures into place. But do these measures set us up to solve the next crisis – the one we don’t yet know about?
From coronavirus to a greener society?
Governments across the globe are funding record-breaking crisis packages to cope with the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. Is this the time to fund greener, more climate-friendly industries and investments?
Buy less, be happier and build a healthy planet
You may feel like you can’t do anything to stop climate change. But climate activists who joined in grassroots movements managed to cut their carbon footprints and were still happier than their non-activist peers, new research shows.
What young people ask about when guaranteed anonymity
An analysis of almost 300,000 unsolicited questions written by young Norwegians on the website ung.no, has provided major insights into what they’re really interested in today. Their bodies, health and identity are among the topics heading the list.
Entrepreneurs work to help the world reach climate goals
Climate frustration led three former NTNU students to quit their secure and well-paying jobs. Instead, they developed a digital toolbox for the green shift. Now the world is knocking on their door.
Prison garb? No thanks!
Inmates are issued a starter pack of prison clothes upon arrival. Many would rather use their own clothes as a way to reclaim some power for themselves.
What is community, really?
A community can be anything from people gathered at the same type of music festival to commuters who recognize each other on the train, a quick meeting with colleagues in the cafeteria or an online chat group.
Japan’s cuteness phenomenon is hundreds of years old
You’ve seen the pictures and the products: Japanese teenage girls in a pastel little-girl world, and children and adults who love Hello Kitty products. They’re all part of the Japanese kawaii phenomenon, which actually started several hundred years ago.
How much does our use of social media reveal about our political views?
When companies like Cambridge Analytica use our data for political and commercial interests, it raises concerns about privacy and the integrity of democratic politics. But what exactly do our social media posts say about what we really think?
Men are men and women have to watch out
Women who work on ships have to take responsibility for not being sexually harassed. This is the message according to a new book on gender, sexuality and power structures in large organizations.
How can we best help vulnerable young people?
According to new research, the recipe for success relies on three ingredients being permanently in place.
Green gaming for the environment
Computer games designed to make us more environmentally conscious need to be both entertaining and educational. Few game designers are good at both. NTNU researchers are creating a model that can bridge the gap between the two.
Infidelity can be forgiven – but at a cost
Most people who have been unfaithful do not believe it when their partner says they forgive them. And the fact that men often don’t realize that emotional infidelity is a problem just feeds the conflict.