A harrowing insight into a common thread between three of America’s most notorious killers: Ed Kemper, Elliot Rodger, and Ted Kaczynski. Will Storr, author of ‘The Status Game’, finds that each of these individuals experienced not only an emotionally scarring “severe humiliation”, but also “had an immense psychological height from which to fall”. The humiliation is said to have triggered a perceived fall in status – hence the title of the book – which acted as a monumental force in inspiring the actions of the killers. 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
