A study reveals that there’s a definite bias towards thinking that a sense of purpose translates to a higher quality of work. In the study, participants were assigned to watch a video of a male actor portraying a calling-oriented, job-oriented, or neutral outlook towards his work, and then choose how much to reward him. Despite the lack of other information regarding his actual performance, participants consistently awarded his calling-oriented persona—in which he portrays someone who finds work fulfilling—more than his job-oriented or neutral personas. 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
