Emily Kitazawa, Author at Shortform Books

Why Surveillance Capitalism Is Google’s Brainchild

What is surveillance capitalism? What role did Google play in its creation? What are the consequences? According to author Shoshana Zuboff’s explanation of surveillance capitalism, Google’s development of targeted advertising and data predictions played a major role in its creation. Zuboff claims that Google now holds a dangerously powerful position in surveillance capitalism and our rights to privacy. Read on to learn the connection between Google, surveillance capitalism, and advertising, according to Zuboff.

Regulation of Cryptocurrency: Why Are Lawmakers Wary?

Why are some lawmakers nervous about the regulation of cryptocurrency? What risks does the crypto industry create? The explosive growth of cryptocurrencies is attracting the attention of regulators who range from wary to enthusiastic about the industry. Cautious lawmakers worry about crypto’s potential for criminality and its susceptibility to cyberattacks. Keep reading for a brief overview of where lawmakers currently stand on cryptocurrency regulation.

Who Has Long-Term Unemployment Hurt the Most?

What does long-term unemployment (LTU) mean? What are the risks of LTU? Which workers have been affected the most? A year after Covid-19 was declared a pandemic and the economy ground to a halt, 4.1 million workers fell into long-term unemployment—unemployment for six or more months. Workers experiencing LTU are finding it increasingly more difficult to rejoin the workforce. Read on to learn how long-term unemployment is harming workers post-Covid.

The Brain Reward System and Addiction: Are We Wired to Overindulge?

What’s the connection between your brain’s reward system and addiction? How do experts explain the neuroscience of addiction? In Dopamine Nation, author Anna Lembke explores what causes addictive behaviors and how you can take back control. Lembke further explains both the neurological and emotional causes of the addiction cycle and overindulgence. Read on to learn about your brain’s reward system and addiction, according to Lembke.

Is Work-From-Home Ending? Advice for Employers

Is work-from-home ending? What challenges do employers face? What work models should they consider? If companies decide to end work-from-home jobs, they’re advised to establish a work model that makes employees feel that their needs are respected. This means ensuring that everyone gets face time in the office—so that remote workers don’t miss out on advancement opportunities. Keep reading for advice on ending work-from-home schedules and reintroducing in-person work.

Security After 9/11: The Rise of Surveillance Capitalism

How has security after 9/11 affected the world? What are the consequences to society? Bestselling author and Harvard professor Shoshana Zuboff created the term “surveillance capitalism” to describe the invasive practices of big tech companies gathering user data. According to her, the 9/11 terrorist attacks paved the way for surveillance capitalism to take hold. Read on to learn why Zuboff says security after 9/11 created the perfect conditions for surveillance capitalism.

What Is Voter ID? A Historical & Global Analysis

What is voter ID? Why is this requirement a much-debated topic in the U.S.? Opponents of voter ID laws argue that it’s a “solution” to a nonexistent problem, yet supporters say it prevents fraud. While showing a form of identification is required of everyone for a wide range of common activities, like driving, flying, or cashing a check, some say requiring voter ID leads to discrimination. Read on to learn what voter ID is and why it’s controversial, based on historical and global analysis.

Are Meal Kits Worth It? (+The Best Kits for Every Diet)

Are meal kits worth it? What are the pros and cons of meal subscription boxes? Who benefits the most from meal kits? Pandemic-related restrictions boosted the popularity of meal kit delivery services, but some wonder if they’re still worth the expense as society begins to normalize. In fact, innovations to the meal kit market have led to more affordable options with a greater variety than ever, and it looks like meal kits are here to stay. Read on to learn if meal kits are a good choice for you and the best services to try in 2022.

The Hiring Bias Is Surprisingly Hurting These People

How does hiring bias affect different groups of workers? Why are educated (knowledge) workers experiencing more hiring bias currently? Educated workers have been disproportionately trapped in long-term unemployment because of biases potential employers have. These include age biases or the belief that something must be wrong with someone who’s been out of work for a while. Keep reading to learn why the stigma of hiring bias is disproportionately affecting educated workers.

Behavior Patterns in Psychology: How to Identify Yours

What are behavior patterns in psychology? Which patterns are potentially harmful? What is self-sabotage? Holistic psychologist and bestselling author Nicole LePera says certain experiences from your childhood could be affecting you as an adult, creating psychological behavior patterns that harm your wellbeing. Her book, How to Do the Work, teaches you which pattern you need to change. Read on to learn how to identify and address the behavior pattern that LePera says could be most harmful.