Vedant Thakur

“The Social Dilemma”: The Dark Side of Social Media

In a day and age where the majority of our interactions happen through social media, it becomes paramount to consider its effects on ourselves, on society, and our future. In an eye-opening documentary by Netflix, named The Social Dilemma, former employees of major Silicon Valley tech giants discuss in-depth how these platforms work and whatContinue reading ““The Social Dilemma”: The Dark Side of Social Media”

Impostor Syndrome: Insecurity and Self-Doubt is Everywhere “Among Us”

Due to the recent widespread acclaim and success of the social deduction game Among Us in which players must seek out the “impostor” within their group, this term, impostor, has been growing in popular usage. But what does it really mean? On a larger societal level, what does it signify for each of us toContinue reading “Impostor Syndrome: Insecurity and Self-Doubt is Everywhere “Among Us””

The Ultimate Productivity Guide: Flow States and the Pomodoro Technique

In this article of mine from a few weeks ago, I discussed how and why we procrastinate To summarize the piece, I made the point that based on the best scientific research and psychological studies available, it seems that procrastination stems from having negative feelings towards tasks we feel overwhelmed by. The first step toContinue reading “The Ultimate Productivity Guide: Flow States and the Pomodoro Technique”

There’s No Satisfying the Instant Gratification Monkey

Our lives are driven by emotion. No matter how much we rationalize or reason, at the core of all of our actions exist emotions. An inherent desire to feel good, so much so, that it is built into our biology. The very idea of dopamine reflects this, and it is a major part of freudianContinue reading “There’s No Satisfying the Instant Gratification Monkey”

Axe the Tax? A Dummy’s Guide to Tax Policy During Crises

According to the best estimates, 120 million people in India have lost their jobs due to the economic impacts of COVID-19, and nationwide lockdowns, with many more facing severe pay cuts. Right now, resources are scarce, especially financial resources. Families have to make compromises and huge lifestyle changes, and when each rupee makes a hugeContinue reading “Axe the Tax? A Dummy’s Guide to Tax Policy During Crises”

P-hacking: How Statistical Manipulation Leads to Bad Science

Scientists have a perverse incentive to publish scientific papers (regardless of their validity) because it is the only major benchmark through which they can receive grants and build reputations. But, in order to publish one’s academic research in official scientific journals one must have novel, original, and unexpected findings. These incentive structures of scientific journalsContinue reading “P-hacking: How Statistical Manipulation Leads to Bad Science”

3 Fantasy Book Series That Will Change Your Life!

Do you remember the lessons your parents taught you as a child? Not on science, history or math, but on values and morals? They read you those fairy tales, fables and books, always with a wholesome message in the end. But did you ever grow out of them? Are these stories still relevant to youContinue reading “3 Fantasy Book Series That Will Change Your Life!”

Stoicism and Marcus Aurelius: Lessons from a Roman Philosopher-King for Living the “Good Life”

The “Last Good Emperor” of Rome, Marcus Aurelius, was quite literally the most powerful man in the world when he was alive (in the latter half of the 2nd century CE) being at the helm of the Roman Empire at it’s peak, one of the greatest civilisations the world has ever known. Having in hisContinue reading “Stoicism and Marcus Aurelius: Lessons from a Roman Philosopher-King for Living the “Good Life””

Aesthetics, Herd Mentality and Social Identity Theory: Why You Should Just Be Yourself!

In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. Friedrich Nietzsche Our conception of what is beautiful, what is aesthetically pleasing, what art, music or poetry is worthy of appreciation, should ideally be instinctive, something you are not consciously aware of. The subconscious nature of the feeling it evokes, shouldContinue reading “Aesthetics, Herd Mentality and Social Identity Theory: Why You Should Just Be Yourself!”