Are Merit-Based Systems Actually Fair?
A new study finds that hearing about socioeconomic advantages and disadvantages makes people less supportive of meritocracy—no matter their politics.
Why Are Middle-Aged Americans So Lonely?
A new study shows that Americans in midlife are lonelier than previous generations and counterparts in other countries. What can we do to address…
Ten Lessons in Neighborliness From a Cohousing Community
Here's what Courtney E. Martin has learned from 10 years of living in an intentional community in Oakland, California.
Why Is It Hard to Speak Up for Racial Justice?
If we want to build a more equitable society, we need to cultivate the courage required for difficult conversations about race.
How to Talk to People You Disagree With (The Science of Happiness Podcast)
We learn techniques for working across the aisle without compromising our values from a Democratic politician in one of the most conservative states,…
Three Steps to Resolving Big Conflicts
In a new book, a seasoned negotiator outlines how to move through conflict effectively, even in the most intractable situations.
World Happiness Report Isn’t So Happy for Young Americans
Young people used to be reliably happier than other age groups—but today, in certain regions of the world, they are struggling.
Seeing People as Individuals Reduces Political Hostility
A new study suggests one way to reduce dehumanization and polarization.
Three Reasons Why You Need Anger
While anger gets a bad rap, studies suggest it can help us achieve difficult goals, if used wisely.
How Teens Today Are Different from Past Generations
A psychologist mines big data on teens and finds many ways this generation—the “iGens"—is different from Boomers, Gen Xers, and Millennials.
How Diversity Makes Us Smarter
Being around people who are different from us makes us more creative, diligent, and hard-working.
10 Keys to Everyday Anti-Racism
The founders of a new organization, the AntiRacist Table, suggest tools you can use to work against prejudice and inequality.
The Younger Generation Isn’t Lazy; They’re Burned Out
Today’s young people are intelligent and kind, but they are overworked and burned out.
How Money Changes the Way You Think and Feel
Research is uncovering how wealth impacts our sense of morality, our relationships with others, and our mental health.
How Smartphones Are Killing Conversation
A Q&A with MIT professor Sherry Turkle about her new book, Reclaiming Conversation.
The Top 10 Strategies for Reducing Prejudice
To greet the new year, Rodolfo Mendoza-Denton provides the best research-based tips for overcoming our differences.