Source: Simon Hayhurst/Flickr Status quo bias is a cognitive bias that explains our preference for familiarity. Many of us tend to resist change and prefer the current state of affairs. How powerful is this cognitive bias? Consider this thought experiment from the renowned philosopher, Robert Nozick: "Suppose there was an experience machine that would give you any experience you desired. Super-duper neuropsychologists could stimulate your brain so that you would think and feel like you were writing a great novel, or making a friend, or reading an interesting book. All the time you would be floating in a tank, with electrodes attached to your brain. Of course, while in the tank you won't know that you're there; you'll think that it's all actually happening. Would you plug into this machine for life?" For most of us, our intuition is to say no. We might say something like, “There is more to life than pleasure," and cite the importance of our relationships with … [Read more...] about How Powerful Is Status Quo Bias?
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The 20 best apps for making videos
Shooting and sharing videos has never been so easy, with a wide selection of mobile apps available to capture, edit and distribute your footage. Some are squeezed-down smartphone versions of powerful, desktop, video-editing software, while others are inventive new tools for the Instagram generation of social sharers. There are specialist video-making apps for special effects, stop-motion and even virtual reality film-making, and novelty apps to raise a smile with face swapping or retro filters. Here are 20 of the best apps to try in 2016, whatever your level of expertise. iMovie (iOS) If you’re looking to edit video on an iPhone or iPad, Apple’s own app continues to be one of the most accessible options. Simple touch controls belie powerful tools for editing your clips together, before sharing them with friends.All free unless otherwise stated Vine (Android/iOS) Twitter’s Vine app started off as a way to make looping six-second videos, but it recently announced plans … [Read more...] about The 20 best apps for making videos
Best Prime Day Deals 2019: Final Update
Update (July 17): Prime Day 2019 might be over, but we've rounded up the best post-Prime Day deals still happening on Amazon. It's officially day two of Prime Day 2019, and Amazon is rolling out more incredible deals on TVs, smart home devices, clothing, toys, beauty products, Echos and everything in between. We're listing the best sales and biggest Prime Day discounts right here, so bookmark this page and check back often. If you're not already an Amazon Prime member, sign up here for a free 30-day trial. With savings this good, you can't afford to miss out! TV, Laptop & Electronic Deals Oculus Go VR Headset ($40 off) — This popular virtual reality headset by Oculus is truly something you must experience to believe. You can watch movies with friends, enjoy built in immersive experiences, try over 1000 apps and get front row seats to your favorite concerts and sporting events, all from the comfort of your own couch. Save up to 30 percent on Jabra headhones and audio products … [Read more...] about Best Prime Day Deals 2019: Final Update
Sunday’s best deals: true wireless earbuds, the Pixel 3a, and more!
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more. Save some money today! John Levite 15 Dec 2019 0 We've gathered all of the day's best deals on tech and more below to save you having to hunt them down alone. Most are limited in time, so make sure you don't miss out. Best Deals December 15 Sony true wireless earbuds Google Pixel 3a smartphone Sony 85-inch 4K HDR TV Apple HomePod with gift card Anker PowerWave wireless charging pad Oculus Go VR headset Vizio 36-inch sound bar TaoTronics true wireless earbuds Sony WF-1000XM3 true wireless earbuds - $30 off The Sony earbuds use indsutry-leading noise-cancelling technology with a QN1e HD processor, and they have 24bit audio signal processing for improved sound quality. That means you get a full range of powerful sound without the distracting noises of the everyday world around you. Plus, the earbuds have smart listening technology that automatically switches to an ambient sound mode based on your … [Read more...] about Sunday’s best deals: true wireless earbuds, the Pixel 3a, and more!
A remote Pacific Island is covered in plastic; scientists are determined to clean it up
IAIN MCGREGOR/Stuff Laura Clarke, Governor of Pitcairn Island talks about an upcoming expedition to clean up and highlight plastic pollution on Henderson Island. A tiny GI Joe lies on the yellow lid of a plastic drum. The tide has washed the toy soldier to the same grey colour as a small, plastic stallion lying further up the beach. A single, tattered red gumboot stands upright. A little further away, the waves lap at an abandoned black clog. There's a white laundry hamper, a handful of builders' hats, and hundreds of water, shampoo and washing liquid bottles. Metres and metres of ghost fishing nets cover the sands and drape over rocks. There are more plastic fishing buoys than you can count, scattered up the coastline and wedged into caves and cliff crevices. No-one has lived on Henderson Island since the 15th century, but it has the highest density of plastic debris recorded anywhere in the world. Every day 3500 pieces of plastic trash wash up on its … [Read more...] about A remote Pacific Island is covered in plastic; scientists are determined to clean it up