Technology
How Shadow Banning Can Silently Shift Opinion Online
In a new study, Yale SOM’s Tauhid Zaman and Yen-Shao Chen show how a social media platform can shift users’ positions or increase overall polarization by selectively muting and amplifying posts in ways that appear neutral to an outside observer.
Building Trust with the Algorithms in Our Lives
Consumers are wary of the recommendations made by algorithms. But according to new research co-authored by Yale SOM’s Taly Reich, showing that an algorithm can learn—that it improves over time—helps to resolve this distrust.
Did Crypto Cause the FTX Collapse?
Yale SOM’s Rick Antle, an accounting scholar who worked on the Bernie Madoff restitution, says that FTX was a toxic combination of a new asset and a failure of corporate controls.
When Counting Calories, Words Are More Valuable than Pictures
A new study co-authored by Yale SOM’s Gal Zauberman finds that apps that track calories with a photo are appealing, but manually logging your meals is actually more effective. The results offer a cautionary tale about giving consumers what they think they want, he says.
Stablecoins Survived ‘Crypto Winter,’ But That Doesn’t Make Them Safe
Cryptocurrencies such as Tether, which is pegged to the dollar, have held on as others crashed. But according to new research by Yale SOM’s Gary Gorton, these “stablecoins” still pose major risks to the global financial system.
Is Elon Musk Right about the Bot Problem on Twitter?
Elon Musk’s attempt to buy Twitter has turned into a battle over the prevalence of bot accounts on the platform. We asked Prof. Tauhid Zaman, who has studied the impact of bots, how much they skew the experience of Twitter users.
Will the EU’s New Law Remake Big Tech?
We asked Prof. Fiona Scott Morton, an expert on antitrust policy, what the Digital Markets Act will mean for users in Europe and elsewhere.
What Will It Take to Transition to Electric Cars?
Kenneth Gillingham, professor of environmental and energy economics, says that easing range anxiety and helping drivers understand the advantages of electric can help accelerate the shift.
To Shift Opinions in Online Conversations, Start by Building Trust
New research from Yale SOM’s Tauhid Zaman suggests that starting by establishing common ground makes it possible to make connections and even change some minds.
Can Bias Be Eliminated from Algorithms?
The predictive software used to automate decision-making often discriminates against disadvantaged groups. A new approach devised by Soheil Ghili at Yale SOM and his colleagues could significantly reduce bias while still giving accurate results.
How ‘Stablecoins’ Could Unleash Chaos
Dollar-pegged cryptocurrencies are rapidly proliferating. But without regulation, these so-called stablecoins pose serious risks to the U.S. financial system, argue Yale SOM’s Gary B. Gorton and his co-author.
