Social scientist Christopher Cummings takes the TED stage with his talk “The dark magic of communication: how we manipulate others” to show us that communication is like magic—and magic can be used for good or evil. (Dun dun dunnnnnn!)

What kind of “dark magic” could we be talking about? As a social scientist and health/risk communicator, part of Christopher’s job is assessing risk and just how dangerous or risky something actually is. We all know there’s a difference between perceived risk and actual risk but how does that get determined? 

Christopher walks us through synesthetic ideation, the risk algorithm, how ‘affect’ and ‘fear’ both play a role in communicating risk and why it’s important to be critical of headlines and overly hyped media.

Mikey and Molly have seen their fair share of neuroscience-backed communication TED Talks but this was a fun (and important) new spin. 

This is an episode for: neuroscience nerds (Christopher makes it digestible!!), journalists and communicators or presenters that relay important or sensitive information. 

What’s in the Spice Cabinet? 

Watch Christopher Cummings’ 2017 TED Talk

• The Dark Magic of Communication: how we manipulate others

Who did Christopher remind us of?

• “Pete” from Hulu’s The Bear - played by Chris Witaske

(What we think) Christopher’s walkout song is? 

• Evil Woman - ELO

Have a fave TED Talk we haven’t talked about yet? Send it our way!

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