Ever since the 2018 Supreme Court decision that opened up sports betting around the US, young, educated men have been betting on sports at particularly high rates. A plausible reason that betting on sports is more attractive to these people is that it’s not a matter of pure chance, and that they feel like they can use statistics and data to improve their chances. However, this is a dangerous way of thinking and a potential path to problem gambling. 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
