How Culture Shapes Human Behavior | Oliver Sweet

What if the decisions you make every day aren’t decisions at all? What if they’re cultural rules you’re just following without even realizing it? This week, we explore these ideas with author and anthropologist Oliver Sweet, helping listeners unfamiliar with ‘cultural rules’ or ‘vibe shifts’ understand how these concepts influence human behavior.

There’s a big difference between human psychology and anthropology, and Oliver argues that understanding what happens between people in interactions can reveal more things about humanity than what we can learn from simply looking into their minds. Everything from the brutal honesty of kids to the cross-cultural difference in how adults use voice messages reveals how behaviors we see as the norm or mundane can reveal important truths about much larger cultural systems.

With the adoption of AI into popular culture, we run the risk of becoming more narcissistic. With internet echo chambers, we eliminate our opportunities to have productive disagreements, and sometimes, our connected society makes us feel less connected than ever – so what does that say about the future of humanity? Join us for an introspective look at humanity, technology, and how paying attention to cultural “vibe shifts” might help us feel more hopeful and empowered to shape society’s direction.

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