Podcast Summary: "How You Are Being Psychologically Targeted & The Extraordinary Power of Curiosity"
Something You Should Know
Host: Mike Carruthers
Guest 1: Sandra Matz, Professor at Columbia Business School
Guest 2: Scott Shigioka, Curiosity Expert and Author
Release Date: January 16, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of Something You Should Know, host Mike Carruthers delves into two compelling topics: the intricate mechanisms of psychological targeting and the transformative power of curiosity. Through insightful discussions with experts Sandra Matz and Scott Shigioka, listeners gain a deeper understanding of how data influences behavior and how cultivating curiosity can enhance personal and professional relationships.
Part 1: The Dark Side of Data - Psychological Targeting
Timestamp: [01:15] – [31:24]
Guest: Sandra Matz
Defining Psychological Targeting
Sandra Matz introduces psychological targeting as the sophisticated use of algorithms and extensive data collection to interpret and influence human behavior on a psychological level.
Notable Quote:
"Psychological targeting is essentially the ability of algorithms and computers to read our minds by translating the vast data we generate into intimate psychological insights."
— Sandra Matz [07:06]
Data Collection and Usage
Matz explains that individuals generate approximately 6 gigabytes of data every hour through various activities, such as social media interactions, credit card transactions, and smartphone sensor data. This data is collected by numerous entities, including data brokers, companies, and governments.
Notable Quote:
"Every person every hour generates about 6 gigabytes of data. That's an enormous amount of data and it's incredibly cheap to get hold of."
— Sandra Matz [01:29]
Ethical Implications
The conversation highlights the dual nature of psychological targeting. While it can manipulate and exploit individuals, it also holds potential for positive applications, such as identifying mental health issues and providing timely support.
Notable Quote:
"We can use data to manipulate and exploit, but we also have the opportunity to use it to help people."
— Sandra Matz [08:40]
Real-World Examples
Matz cites the 2015 Facebook incident where algorithms predicted teenagers’ mental health issues and were used to target them with advertisements. She contrasts this with the possibility of using similar data to offer support and assistance instead.
Notable Quote:
"Facebook was accused of predicting whether teenagers were suffering from depression and using those insights to target them with ads. The alternative could have been connecting them with the support they needed."
— Sandra Matz [07:38]
Data Privacy and Protection
Matz emphasizes the importance of data protection regulations and introduces concepts like federated learning, which processes data on individual devices to enhance privacy without sacrificing service quality.
Notable Quote:
"Federated learning allows data to be processed on your smartphone, keeping your information secure while still improving the service."
— Sandra Matz [25:15]
Recommendations
To safeguard personal data, Matz recommends:
- Supporting regulations that enforce privacy by design.
- Adopting technologies that minimize data sharing.
- Being more mindful of app permissions and data sharing settings.
Notable Quote:
"Shifting towards privacy by design means making it easier for consumers to protect their data without sacrificing the benefits of personalization."
— Sandra Matz [28:11]
Part 2: The Transformative Power of Curiosity
Timestamp: [32:22] – [54:19]
Guest: Scott Shigioka
Defining Curiosity
Scott Shigioka defines curiosity as the fundamental desire to know more, encompassing both intellectual and emotional dimensions. He emphasizes that true curiosity involves a genuine interest in understanding others deeply.
Notable Quote:
"Curiosity is the desire to know, and it goes beyond intellectual inquiry to engage the heart as well."
— Scott Shigioka [33:22]
Benefits of Curiosity
Shigioka outlines how curiosity enhances relationships by fostering deeper connections, reducing stress, and promoting longevity. It encourages active listening and meaningful interactions, which are crucial for personal and professional growth.
Notable Quote:
"Curiosity strengthens our relationships, reduces stress, and increases our ability to handle life's challenges."
— Scott Shigioka [33:58]
Practical Strategies to Cultivate Curiosity
Shigioka introduces the "DIVE" motto—Detach, Intend, Value, Embrace—as a framework to foster curiosity:
-
Detach: Let go of assumptions and biases before engaging in conversations.
Notable Quote:
"Detach means letting go of your assumptions, biases, and certainty to approach interactions with an open mind."
— Scott Shigioka [46:06] -
Intend: Set a purpose for being curious, such as understanding a colleague’s perspective or resolving a conflict.
Notable Quote:
"Intend involves setting the mindset and preparing for curious engagement through mental rehearsal."
— Scott Shigioka [46:06] -
Value: Recognize and honor the dignity and humanity of others, regardless of differences.
-
Embrace: Welcome challenges and difficult conversations as opportunities to deepen understanding.
Personal Stories and Impact
Shigioka shares his personal journey of traveling across the United States to engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds. This experience not only broadened his perspective but also demonstrated how curiosity can bridge divides and foster mutual respect.
Notable Quote:
"During my 12-month trip, I connected with people vastly different from me, which transformed my understanding and appreciation of diverse perspectives."
— Scott Shigioka [37:24]
Overcoming Barriers to Curiosity
Addressing common fears, Shigioka advises that curiosity doesn't require grand gestures. Instead, it can be nurtured through everyday interactions by asking deeper, more meaningful questions and genuinely listening to others.
Notable Quote:
"Curiosity releases dopamine, making it not just beneficial but also pleasurable to engage deeply with others."
— Scott Shigioka [42:18]
Avoiding Predatory Curiosity
Shigioka warns against "predatory curiosity," where apparent interest is a façade for ulterior motives. True curiosity is grounded in genuine interest without hidden agendas.
Notable Quote:
"Predatory curiosity disguises manipulation as interest, whereas true curiosity remains open and genuine."
— Scott Shigioka [44:18]
Conclusion
Mike Carruthers wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of understanding psychological targeting to protect personal data and harnessing curiosity to enrich relationships and personal growth. He encourages listeners to apply the insights shared by Sandra Matz and Scott Shigioka to navigate the complexities of data privacy and to cultivate a more curious and connected life.
Notable Insights
- Data as a Double-Edged Sword: Psychological targeting can be both manipulative and beneficial, depending on its application.
- Federated Learning: A promising technology that balances data utility and privacy by processing information locally.
- Curiosity's Role in Relationships: Enhances connection, understanding, and emotional well-being.
- DIVE Framework: A practical guide to fostering genuine curiosity in interactions.
Final Thoughts
This episode offers a balanced exploration of modern data challenges and the timeless value of curiosity. By addressing the ethical dimensions of data usage and providing actionable strategies to cultivate curiosity, Mike Carruthers ensures that listeners are both informed and empowered to make better decisions in their personal and professional lives.
For More Information:
- Sandra Matz's TED Talk: [Link in Show Notes]
- Scott Shigioka's Book: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World [Link in Show Notes]