Saturday, May 7, 2011

Clay Shirky on Human Motivation

Call to action: Foster generosity in the systems you create.

Clay Shirky explains that humans are self-maximizing beings. We find the best way of optimizing available resources, tools and opportunity. He gives examples of social tools on both sides of the creative spectrum: LOLCats and Ushahidi.

The best part was when he summarized a research that proves that fear and punishment can change human behavior for the worse. The surprising bit is that the change extends through time even after the negative stimulus has been taken away.

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