"Dark patterns": The deceptive arts of e-commerce

Jan 16, 2023
Emily Stewart of Vox explains how web tactics like countdown clocks and inventory trackers can create a false sense of urgency for consumers.
Many e-commerce sites use well-honed tactics to influence consumers to "buy, buy, buy." Emily Stewart advises consumers to learn about them and avoid impulsive shopping.
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What's the prescription for potential recession-related anxiety?

Aug 23, 2022
One therapist and executive coach says that recession fears are prevalent, but there are ways to mitigate the anxiety.
Therapist and executive coach Angela Sasseville says that the pandemic and other factors have primed us to feel more anxious than before.
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It's hard to keep costs down at the supermarket, thanks to store design and our emotions

Jul 19, 2022
Grocery stores play on our sense of nostalgia with older music, and strategically placed items may trigger impulse buys, experts say.
Ever notice the nostalgic music playing in grocery stores? That's often intentional — putting customers in a good mood, which might encourage them to buy more.
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The psychology of giving

And why a thank you goes a long way.
iStockPhoto

When it was supposed to be payday

Thousands of federal workers with high-stress jobs won’t get their paychecks Friday.
Air traffic controllers are about to miss a payday, adding stress to an already stressful job.
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Game theory suggests the trade war could last a long time

Oct 25, 2018
Social scientists say it's rational for countries to act in their self-interest.
Half of everything China sends to the United State is subject to tariffs. Above, container ships outside of the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
David McNew/Getty Images

Game theory suggests the trade war could last a long time

Oct 25, 2018
Social scientists say it's rational for countries to act in their self-interest.
Half of everything China sends to the United State is subject to tariffs. Above, container ships outside of the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
David McNew/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

How one shady employee can poison the workplace

Mar 15, 2018
When you're exposed to a shady colleague, you're 40 percent more likely to also engage in their bad business practices.
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Workplace harassment and the bystander effect

Oct 26, 2017
There can be a "diffusion of responsibility" when a group of people see something bad happen.
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