The Parenthood Uncertainty Trap
The more fast, easy answers I consumed, the worse I felt, and the further away I felt from having clarity about how to navigate the ever-present uncertainty of motherhood.
Top Story
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What It’s Like to Be…a Veterinarian
Calming scared cats with pheromone sprays, advising families how to balance their pet’s well-being with budget realities, and diagnosing mysterious animal maladies with Dr. Hindatu Mohammed, a veterinarian in Austin, TX.
Why Simplicity Can Be Strength in a Complex World
As intuitive as it seems, a complicated approach to behavioral design may not be the best response to complexity.
What We're Reading
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When ChatGPT Broke an Entire Field: An Oral History
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Quanta Magazine -
America Is Erasing the Data the World Needs
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Project Syndicate -
Our Idea of Happiness Has Gotten Shallow. Here’s How to Deepen It.
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The New York Times -
As the US Cuts Scientific Talent, Europe Launches an Initiative to Attract It
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Wired -
The Chronic Misperception of Americans’ Abortion Attitudes
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Good Authority
Featured
How Behaviorally-Informed Technologies Are Shaping Global Aid
Across the United Nations, researchers and practitioners are building behaviorally informed technologies that can address humanitarian challenges in new ways.
In Uncertain Times, Get Curious
Asking better questions can act as an antidote to uncertainty—and the anxiety that comes with it.
What It’s Like to Be…a Software Engineer
Tracing mysterious errors to their source, jousting with product managers, and rolling out new features (without breaking the old ones) with Taylor Hughes, a software engineer.
Event: 2025 Frontiers Conversation Series
We invite you to a new online conversation series, “Frontiers,” where we’ll host live conversations with people who are pushing the boundaries of behavioral science.
What It’s Like to Be…a City Manager
Mediating pickleball noise disputes, shepherding communities through thorny decisions, and practicing radical pragmatism with Martha Bennett, city manager of Lake Oswego, Oregon.
Uncertainty Takes Hold in American Science
Massive disruptions to the scientific system in the U.S. mean the uncertainty scientists face is no longer about the nature of discovery but about the ability to do science at all.
What It’s Like to Be…a Barman
Pouring pints for thirsty tourists, defusing situations with drunk patrons, and finding flow in the Friday night rush with Brian Wynne, a barman in Dublin.
How Do You Become More Conscientious When You’re Not Conscientious Already?
The easiest way to become more conscientious is to already be conscientious—last week’s to-do list makes writing this week’s easier. But if you can’t lean on your past self, considering your future self can help.
