Why a 0.08% drop in the mortgage rate might seem bigger than that

Dec 15, 2023
There’s research that shows when the left-most digit of a number changes, we tend to give the change more weight.
Though rates coming down may spur some to buy, others might take it as a sign that rates will continue to fall — and wait to see how far they'll go.
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Ads on social media are exceptionally good at getting us to click "buy"

"In the past, we've studied social media ads as if they're just like a billboard or a print magazine ad when they're not," said advertising professor Matthew Pittman. "You're seeing an ad from any number of sources."
On Instagram or in other social media feeds, "you're seeing an ad from any number of sources right after you might see a video or a post from your ex from high school or a new celebrity training fitness routine," said the University of Tennessee's Matthew Pittman.
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"Dark patterns": The deceptive arts of e-commerce

Jan 16, 2023
Emily Stewart of Vox explains how web tactics like countdown clocks and inventory trackers can create a false sense of urgency for consumers.
Many e-commerce sites use well-honed tactics to influence consumers to "buy, buy, buy." Emily Stewart advises consumers to learn about them and avoid impulsive shopping.
Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images

What's the prescription for potential recession-related anxiety?

Aug 23, 2022
One therapist and executive coach says that recession fears are prevalent, but there are ways to mitigate the anxiety.
Therapist and executive coach Angela Sasseville says that the pandemic and other factors have primed us to feel more anxious than before.
MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP/Getty Images

It's hard to keep costs down at the supermarket, thanks to store design and our emotions

Jul 19, 2022
Grocery stores play on our sense of nostalgia with older music, and strategically placed items may trigger impulse buys, experts say.
Ever notice the nostalgic music playing in grocery stores? That's often intentional — putting customers in a good mood, which might encourage them to buy more.
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The psychology of giving

And why a thank you goes a long way.
iStockPhoto

For public good, not for profit.

When it was supposed to be payday

Thousands of federal workers with high-stress jobs won’t get their paychecks Friday.
Air traffic controllers are about to miss a payday, adding stress to an already stressful job.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Game theory suggests the trade war could last a long time

Oct 25, 2018
Social scientists say it's rational for countries to act in their self-interest.
Half of everything China sends to the United State is subject to tariffs. Above, container ships outside of the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
David McNew/Getty Images

Game theory suggests the trade war could last a long time

Oct 25, 2018
Social scientists say it's rational for countries to act in their self-interest.
Half of everything China sends to the United State is subject to tariffs. Above, container ships outside of the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
David McNew/Getty Images