Intelligence Squared Julia Shaw and Rosamund Urwin on the Science Behind Humanity's Dark Side
19 snips
Apr 19, 2019 
Join Julia Shaw, a German-Canadian psychologist and author of "Making Evil", alongside journalist Rosamund Urwin from The Sunday Times, as they delve into humanity's dark side. They challenge societal narratives around masculinity and violence, question the nature of evil, and discuss the unsettling allure of aggression. The conversation highlights how AI mirrors societal biases and emphasizes the importance of compassion in understanding misjudged behaviors like creepiness and aggression. A thought-provoking exploration of morality and empathy awaits!
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Cute Aggression
- "Cute aggression" is the urge to squeeze or playfully harm adorable things, driven by an overload of positive emotions.
- Julia Shaw experiences this feeling towards her partner, highlighting its counterintuitive nature.
Managing Aggression
- To manage aggression, increase glucose levels and engage the prefrontal cortex for better decision-making.
- Allow emotions to cool down before acting on aggressive impulses.
Technology's Impact
- Technology, particularly the internet, allows the amplification of niche and often harmful ideas.
- Anonymity online reduces inhibitions and facilitates dehumanization by removing the presence of a "fleshy three-dimensional person".
