Social Butterflies: Reclaiming the Positive Power of Social Networks

Description

We're all social animals. From early civilisations to the present day, we exist in an increasingly tangled web of social threads that we rely on for our survival. But in the modern, hyperconnected world, our likes and dislikes, our opinions and beliefs have taken on a new prominence and power. Now our basic human need to belong increasingly overrides our better judgement, and our natural instinct to align ourselves with 'people like us' has exposed us to manipulation by everyone from tech firms to aspiring politicians. But this is just part of the story of social influence. At a time when our trust in each other is being destroyed on a global scale, it's never been more important to understand the motivations behind our natural instincts and use our predictable behaviours to drive positive change. Rather than seeing human nature as weaknesses to be overcome, it's time to employ it as reliable asset to achieve our most important goals. In this groundbreaking book, Sanders and Hume lay bare the value of the social world and provide a roadmap back to our better social selves. Building on the incredible findings of their own cutting-edge research, as well as illuminating case studies from experts and innovators around the world, they show how small changes in our environments can have a huge impact on where our instincts lead us, from helping us to run more cohesive and effective organisations, to building important relationships that make us, and those around us, happier and healthier.

Michael Sanders is Chief Scientist and Head of Research, Evaluation and Social Action at the Behavioural Insights Team. Michael is an Associate Fellow of the Blavatnik School of Government, where he teaches Behavioural Science and Policy. He is an affiliate of the Harvard Behavioural Insights Group and holds an MSc in Economics and Public Policy, and a PhD in Economics, both from the University of Bristol. Susannah Hume is an Associate Director at King's College London, and former Principal Research Advisor at the Behavioural Insights Team. She has dedicated her career to promoting education and political empowerment among young people, with a multidisciplinary background in political science and public policy, statistical methods, behavioural economics, business and English, including an MSc from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Engaging, fact-filled and profoundly illuminating, this terrific book demonstrates that social influences can be a powerful force for good. It's inspiring to read - and it should help make the world a lot better. -- Cass Sunstein, bestselling author of 'Nudge' A brilliant guide to some of the key concepts in behavioural science. -- Richard Shotton, author of 'The Choice Factory' This book is a breath of fresh air, showing us how to use our social networks to achieve positive change. -- Owain Service, author of 'Think Small' Michael Sanders is an extraordinary behavioural scientist, and I'm absolutely thrilled that he's written Social Butterflies to share his insights and knowledge with the world. -- Katherine Milkman, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania professor and presenter of the Choiceology podcast