#Society22

30 Dec 2025

Older people are less likely to think in zero-sum terms

A new study finds older adults are less likely than younger adults to hold zero-sum beliefs — the idea that one person wins only if another loses. The researchers used survey data and experiments to compare age groups.

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Photo by mohammad majid, Unsplash

30 Dec 2025

Why people buy flowers

Researchers studied who buys cut flowers and why. Availability has grown beyond florists, and buyers report better mood and less stress after buying flowers.

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29 Dec 2025

How the 2008 recession changed people’s class identity

Research shows the 2008 Great Recession made many Americans see themselves as lower class. The change in how people view their social class appears to have lasted for years and may affect health and politics.

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14 Dec 2025

Study finds similar narcissism patterns across countries

An international study of over 45,000 people in 53 countries found consistent narcissism patterns. Younger adults and men scored higher, people in wealthier countries scored higher, and group-oriented cultures did not differ much from individualistic ones.

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10 Dec 2025

How to ship holiday gifts safely

A packaging expert from Virginia Tech recommends simple steps to avoid damaged gifts: use a one-foot drop test, ship from the retailer when possible, and pack with corrugated boxes and fiber padding.

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6 Dec 2025

Small pause to slow misinformation on social media

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen propose a small pause before sharing on platforms like X, Bluesky and Mastodon. A computer model shows that a short delay plus a brief learning step can reduce reshares and improve shared content quality.

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2 Dec 2025

Ageism in Families

New NYU research describes how adults treat older parents and relatives. The study explains family stereotypes, harm to older adults, and practical steps families can take to reduce ageist behavior and support older relatives.

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1 Dec 2025

Why top firms hire, train and then let people go

A study in the American Economic Review explains why elite firms hire bright people, train them, and later let many leave. The model shows how reputation, public results and selective turnover help firms and workers.

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28 Nov 2025

Seeing Uncertainty as an Opportunity

Researchers at ETH Zurich tested a short presentation that asked people to see uncertainty as an opportunity. The experiment in Germany (Dec 2024–Mar 2025) changed attitudes to diversity, social change and voting for AfD.

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25 Nov 2025

Americans worry about US democracy

A new study by the SNF Agora Institute and Public Agenda, using a national survey of 4,500 Americans, earlier polls and focus groups, finds broad concern about US democracy and notable divides within the Republican Party.

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25 Nov 2025

College degrees still pay off after student loan payments

A new study using linked financial and education records finds that completing a college degree still gives clear financial benefits after student loan payments. Degree holders earn about $8,000 more per year on average.

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24 Nov 2025

How China’s 2020 Shift to Online Classes Changed College Grades

A study of Chinese college students during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown compares grades before and during the move to online classes. Results vary by subject and by local lockdown policies.

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14 Nov 2025

How Generative AI Changes Disinformation Campaigns

An interview on November 12, 2025, Laura Jasper of HCSS explains how generative AI increases speed, scale and personalization of disinformation, and what analysts and communities must do to respond.

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