The Next Big Idea Daily Get Along, Get Ahead
38 snips
Apr 17, 2026 
Nicola Raihani, evolutionary biologist exploring why cooperation drives human success. Dominic Packer, psychologist studying how group identities shape behavior. Jay Van Bavel, psychologist/neuroscientist known for social identity research. They discuss shifting identities, how crises spark solidarity, how leaders craft shared groups, evolution of cooperative families, and cooperation’s dark side.
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Crises Create Solidarity Not Panic
- Crises often create shared identity and solidarity rather than panic, enabling collective problem solving.
- Jay Van Bavel and Dominic Packer cite studies where even arbitrary team assignments produce in-group affiliation and behavioral change.
Identity Filters Perception And Sensation
- Identity acts like glasses that filter perception, shaping what people notice, believe, and even taste.
- They demonstrate with the 1966 World Cup controversy and Swiss participants who smelled chocolate more after being reminded of Swiss identity.
Tribalism Is Not Inevitable
- Tribalism is not inevitable; group behavior depends on social norms leaders create.
- Dominic Packer points to groups with norms of tolerance, accuracy, or dissent (e.g., scientists, Red Cross) as counterexamples to assumed tribalism.
