Ever wondered how political leanings affect how people trust science? Researchers looked into this across 10 European countries and found some interesting patterns. They discovered that people who vote for populist parties tend to distrust the system and its leaders, which leads them to be skeptical of science in general. Right-wing voters, on the other hand, have le...
For decades, Americans mostly agreed on one thing: science was trustworthy. But lately, that's quickly changing. People who lean left and right are now seeing science quite differently. This divide didn't happen overnight. It's been growing since the 1990s and picked up speed in 2018. What's causing this? It's not just conservatives losing trust; liberals are gaining...
Have you ever avoided something you normally like just because someone from the "other side" of the political spectrum enjoys it too? This study shows that people in Sweden often distance themselves from simple things like clothes and chocolates when they find out these items are favored by political groups they dislike. Researchers tested this by seeing how people's...
For a while now, we've been hearing about the friendly campaigning style of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. They were seen as a less harsh alternative compared to their opponents. Their supporters tried to mimic this approach. But when they lost, the pleasant demeanor vanished quickly. Many liberals who backed them now want those who vot...
Recent research from the Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI) has found that Americans are using social media in a sneaky way. They're creating and using groups of accounts that act like bots to spread lies quickly. Examples include the false story about the attempt to assassinate Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, and a made-up tale about Haitian migrants ...
Imagine this: both a high-ranking Democrat and a former Republican president want to get rid of taxes on tips. Sounds like a good idea, right? Not so fast. Let's break down what this could mean for workers. Politics aside, this proposal could make tips even more popular as a form of payment. But hold on, there's a catch. Tips are already a tricky way to make a livin...
Imagine driving down a quiet street, you suddenly spot a massive sign in someone's yard, proudly displaying their support for a presidential candidate. Does this make you think, "Maybe I should reconsider my vote?" Probably not. Lawn signs for presidential candidates often spark more division than dialogue. Let's take a step back. Lawn signs for local elections can ...
Ever wondered how kids get their views on politics? A study found that kids from Democratic families were quicker to show hostility towards Republicans. This isn't surprising when you think about how family beliefs shape a kid's worldview. One interesting finding was that Republican families seemed more open to visiting Democrats, which matches up with other research...
As a child development expert, I have had the opportunity to talk to many kids about politics. And let me tell you, it's jarring to hear them talk about it. They're so honest and straightforward, it's like they're not even thinking about the consequences of what they're saying. But that's exactly what makes it so interesting. In a recent study, I worked with a team ...
The clock was ticking, and the threat of a government shutdown loomed large. But just in the nick of time, congressional leaders announced a deal on a short-term spending bill. This temporary fix will fund federal agencies for about three months, buying lawmakers some time to work out a full-year budget. The agreement came after weeks of negotiations, with lawmakers ...