Despite the hue and cry that technology isolates people, social sciences author Howard Rheingold argues that it in fact enhances our capacity to interact with each other and together build a better world.
Tag Archives: Culture & Society
Why Are Shirt Buttons on Different Sides for Men and Women?
Read about some interesting theories related to fashion for men and women. Did nobility dictate the differences in fashion?
Adapting to a New Culture
This is a story told by Yukiko Nishimura about the difficulties facing her and how she overcame them, having moved to the United States from Japan.
What’s it like to live without nature?
Miranda Andersen, a 13-year-old living near Vancouver, gave a TEDx speech on nature-deficit disorder in October 2012. In this article she talks about what nature means to her creativity, health, and well-being, and her passion and motivation to care for all living and natural things.
How Wearable Tech Is Creeping into the Beauty Industry
Learn about some of the technology innovations in the world of cosmetics known as beauty wearables; technology to monitor the use of sunscreen, deodorant, and more!
Tony Griffin and Karl Swan: Soar
SOAR is an organization in Ireland which provides programs for young people aged between 10 and 18 that focus on positive life skills, self-confidence and self-esteem. Gripped by the impact of a similar project in Australia, Tony Griffin and Karl Swan were totally inspired to realize the potential of this work for Ireland’s youth. Click the left-side links for more information.
Anne Frank’s diary is now free to download despite copyright dispute
On January 1, 70 years after her death, Anne Frank’s diary (in the Dutch language) was available free to download, read, and distribute.
How to Stop Negative Thinking
What attributes and skills do you need to pursue and achieve your goals? Learn five techniques here to help stop negative thinking.
How Living Off the Grid Works
People who choose to live “off the grid” often do so for environmental reasons. This article explains the steps to take to disconnect from public utiltites.
Luck and Skill Untangled: The Science of Success
Science writer Samuel Arbesman and financial analyst Michael Mauboussin discuss the relationship between skill and luck and how it affects success.
The North Carolina Way
In a traditionally male-dominated field, women are leading North Carolina’s food industry.
Conflict resolution: Wars without end
Learn how researchers are using data and systems analysis to attempt to resolve intractable conflicts.
Vietnam War Protests
Read about how the movement to protest the Vietnam War grew throughout the 1960s.
Why Success Makes Us Risk Averse
Psychologist Ruth Blatt uses music as an example to explain how achieving success can often lead to risk aversion.
Immigration Fears Not New in US History: Photos
This slideshow presents a timeline of Americans’ reservations about immigrants.
What Explains the Rise of Humans?
Other animals have intelligence, cooperation, and the use of tools, but only humans have imagination. This key trait allows us to treat abstract things like money, religion, and nations as though they are concrete, leading to our domination of the planet.
Jews Are Fleeing Russia Because of Putin
Immigrants from Russia make up a surprisingly large percentage of the Israeli population. Find out why this is so, now more than ever.
iCivics
Begun by Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the iCivics website encourages young people to become engaged and active citizens. Check out the resources and play the games.
Does Your Dog Really Love You?
Find out what news correspondent Anderson Cooper thinks about his dog’s intelligence and how little we know about dogs.
Report on Desegregation in the Schools of Alabama, September 9, 1963
In 1963, President John F. Kennedy announced the government’s intention to force Governor George Wallace to comply with the school desegregation order. Read this powerful speech about a decision that mattered to so many Americans.