Society Archives

What Is Exaptation? Examples in Biology, Art, & Society

What is exaptation? How can it be applied in practical ways outside of biology? Exaptation is the use of a tool or trait in a context that’s different from the one it was originally intended for. In Where Good Ideas Come From, best-selling author and theorist Steven Johnson provides a few examples of exaptation and shows how it can lead to novel ideas outside of biology. Read more to learn about exaptations, particularly in the context of innovation.

The AI Development Pause: A Good or Foolish Idea?

Why are some leaders calling for a pause in the development of powerful AI technologies? Is the AI development pause a good or bad idea? In March, over 1,000 tech and academic leaders called for a six-month pause in the development of powerful AI systems, citing potential societal harm from disinformation and infrastructure hacking. Some disagree, saying the change is already happening and we should focus on the benefits of AI. Read on to learn whether a pause in AI development is feasible or unrealistic, based on experts’ varied viewpoints.

The Psychological Effects of Discrimination

How does discrimination affect self-esteem? How does being discriminated against based on superficial differences hurt one’s sense of self-worth? Discrimination places a spotlight on how minorities are different from the majority, overlooking those people’s talents, personalities, and achievements. As a result, minorities grow to value themselves and others less based on these differences. Keep reading to learn about the psychological effects of discrimination.

The Cycles of History: Strauss & Howe’s Intriguing Theory of Time

What are the four cycles of history? Based on recent American history, does the “four Turning” theory hold water? In The Fourth Turning, William Strauss and Neil Howe explain that human history is characterized by a cyclical progression through four “Turnings.” The First Turning is a High, the Second Turning is an Awakening, the Third Turning is an Unraveling, and the Fourth Turning is a Crisis. Read on to learn what characterizes each Turning; how the most recent First, Second, and Third Turnings played out; and the authors’ predictions for the next Fourth Turning.

Which Easter Traditions Are Pagan? More Than You’d Think

Have you ever wondered what the connection is between Jesus and an egg-carrying bunny? Where did our Easter traditions come from? The Easter holiday is commonly understood to be a day to celebrate the resurrection of Christ after his death by crucifixion. It’s celebrated around the world and has existed for around 1,700 years. However, not many people know where colored eggs and bunnies come in. Let’s take a look at the many pagan Easter traditions.

Basic Beliefs of Hinduism: Karma, Yoga, and Reincarnation

Curious to learn about the basic beliefs of Hinduism? How does Hinduism define a virtuous person? In Autobiography of a Yogi, Paramahansa Yogananda explores some of the basic beliefs of Hinduism, including reincarnation and karma. He explains the importance of yoga to Hinduism and how it helps believers to achieve ultimate liberation from the cycle of reincarnation. Read on to learn about the basic beliefs of Hinduism, according to Paramahansa Yogananda.

How a Lack of Representation Hurts Minorities

Why is minority representation important? How does poor representation stop people from being true to themselves and prevent them from going after their dreams? Lack of representation leaves people feeling self-conscious and demoralized. As a result, they try to change their behavior to fit others’ expectations and don’t pursue their goals because they lack relatable examples of success. Here’s how a lack of representation hurts minorities.

The First Turning: America’s High (1946 to 1964)

What was the prevailing mood of America after World War II? What was it like for young people? How did society perceive the government? In The Fourth Turning, historian William Strauss and consultant Neil Howe explain how Anglo-American history follows a pattern of four 15- to 25-year periods, called Turnings, and how the behaviors of different generations define these Turnings. They explain that the First Turning is a High. Read more to understand First Turnings in general and the most recent First Turning, 1946 to 1964, in particular.

The Future of Design: What’s Next for Tech?

What are the main issues with technology today? What does the future of design look like? Cliff Kuang and Robert Fabricant’s book User Friendly contends that technology has become inhumane and addictive. The authors provide two main recommendations to achieve a future vision of a user-friendly world: Streamline many of the gadgets in people’s lives and design technologies that adhere to users’ values. Keep reading to learn what the future of design should look like to enhance people’s lives.

Is a US TikTok Ban on the Horizon?

Will TikTok get banned in the US? What are the arguments for and against a US TikTok ban? What does the ban mean for you? In recent months, the White House, Congress, US armed forces, and more than half of US states have banned TikTok, from government-issued devices. There’s broad concern that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, could share Americans’ personal data with the Chinese government. Keep reading to learn about both sides of the argument.