People share ideas because they are either interesting or true, and Sam Atis argues that it’s unlikely for an idea to be both. He cites the idea that COVID-19 vaccination rates in Ohio saw a significant increase thanks to the state’s vaccine lotteries. The reasoning was that anti-vaxxers tend to overestimate the probability of highly unlikely events (like winning lotteries) happening. But interesting as this idea was, the research said otherwise; a paper revealed that Ohio didn’t see increased numbers of COVID-19 vaccinations due to the vaccine lotteries. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
