Metacognition is our ability to think about our own thoughts. For example, while walking through the woods at night, we might encounter a long object and think: “Is this a stick or a snake? And how am I so sure about my judgement?” While it’s a useful ability, metacognition is prone to bias and is also affected by our mental health. For example, schizophrenia makes people overconfident in their metacognition, while depression makes us underconfident. 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
