Not all brags are made equally. The “narrative brag” is one of those rare types of brags that typically doesn’t make you annoyed with the braggart. Often said in response to a question, the narrative brag takes a tidal wave of achievements and incorporates them into a relatable narrative that showcases the struggles that the braggart endured to attain them, much like their own “hero’s journey”. Through storytelling, the narrative brag conveys the braggart’s achievements while neutralising the sting of the brag at the same time. 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