An example of shrimp Jesus.
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Is most of the content on the internet fake? Here’s what the dead internet theory really means – and why we should be warier of how we’re manipulated for profit and political gain.
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When we see false information circulating, we might move to debunk it. But prebunking lies and explaining manipulation techniques can work better.
Rep. George Santos on Capitol Hill in Washington on Oct. 24, 2023.
AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough
A political philosopher writes that voters may put up with some degree of deception from politicians, but they may not accept being lied to unnecessarily.
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Research reveals individuals that score high for vulnerable narcissism are likely to present themselves inauthentically while online dating.
Expecting black-and-white answers can make it hard to see the truth.
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A psychologist explains how opponents of climate policies use a common thinking error to manipulate the public – and why people are so susceptible.
Sure, you can try to force people to agree with you – but respectful persuasion is something else.
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Immanuel Kant’s ideas about respect are still important today, in a world where social media and echo chambers make manipulation easy.
Shopping centres manipulate us.
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We tend to think everyone is affected by sly, psychological techniques – except ourselves.
Critics of President Joe Biden have accused him of lying. Most American presidents have been accused of deception.
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A political philosopher argues that while all American presidents may lie, those who appear to lie for the public good are often celebrated.
These beautiful curves hold the key to a simple way to vary the stiffness of robotic grippers.
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Curved origami isn’t just elegant art. It’s also a versatile way to vary the amount of force applied by robots and other machines.
Controversial picture of President Trump and the First Lady holding an orphaned child following the mass shooting in El Paso.
The White House
You can’t be gaslighted if you don’t get confused and you won’t get confused if you are not misled in the first place.
Beware the strings attached to social media and smartphone use.
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Academic research highlights the dangers – personal and societal – of giving too much time and attention to social media.
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We’re willing to fight for our freedom even at great cost.
Director Bernardo Bertolucci, left, discusses a scene from “Last Tango in Paris” with leading actor Marlon Brando and actress Maria Schneider.
AP Photo
The important lessons from one of the most notorious cases of sexual manipulation took place not off-screen but right in front of the camera.
Charles Manson: cult leader extraordinaire.
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Charles Manson, who has died aged 83, was a cult leader par excellence.
‘So…what do you say?’
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Five tricks that might help you get what you want from others.
Who’s behind that Twitter feed?
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In addition to the meddling alleged in the new Mueller indictments, about one in every five election-related tweets was generated by software, not humans.
This has gotta be the deal of the century!
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You’re no mug right? Think again. We all get fooled by anchoring, and probably use it ourselves as well.