Shorts Archives

Animations

Loneliness and the power of connection | Vivek Murthy

US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy explains how we can get better at spotting loneliness in others and the steps we can take to build a more connected society and life.

23 May 2023

Illustration of diverse people engaging in activities on an abstract blue and white background. Activities include yoga, cycling, reading, walking, playing baseball, and sitting on a bench with a laptop.

Animations

How Big Tech betrayed us | Rana Foroohar

How did tech firms, born out of an idealistic, innovative vision, become greedy, intrusive, and excessively powerful? Economic analyst Rana Foroohar reveals how Big Tech betrayed us by selling our data without sharing the wealth.

26 Jan 2021

A sepia-toned image shows an open notebook with a list of dates, times, and entries on a table. Next to it is a white pen and a miniature model of a domed building.

Animations

Is Our Attention for Sale? | James Williams

In this thought-provoking new RSA Short, tech ethicist James Williams warns that digital distraction is no longer just a minor annoyance but a real and present threat to human freedom and autonomy.

27 Aug 2020

Illustration of a person in a green outfit standing against a pink wall, holding an orange. Oranges are scattered on the floor. A speech bubble shows various emojis, including a waving hand, smiley face, shopping cart, and crystal ball.

Animations

Rebel, Upholder, Questioner, Obliger: which one are you? | Gretchen Rubin

This animation shines a light on those quirks of our psychology that make it hard to change our (and other people’s!) behaviour. Bestselling author Gretchen Rubin explains the four personality ‘tendencies’ and their respective strengths and weaknesses.

25 Feb 2019

Cartoon monkeys gathered as one presents a drawing labeled "Wheel" on a flip chart. Other monkeys, some sitting and one on an overhead projector, appear interested. Background features large leaves, creating a jungle-like setting.

Animations

The Truth About Algorithms | Cathy O’Neil

We often think that algorithms are objective and fair, but they’re built to serve the people who create them – how can we make sure that the process of building algorithms is ethical?

17 Oct 2018

Illustration of hands holding binoculars with eyes peering through the lenses. The binoculars and background are in vibrant colors, including red, blue, and green, creating a pop art style.

Animations

Rutger Bregman on Radical Ideas and Why They Still Matter

Author and historian Rutger Bregman argues that in order to continue the march towards a better world, we need radical ideas and a robust vision of the future.

28 Feb 2018

Illustration of a person in a library looking at a large book titled "The End of History and the Last Man" by Francis Fukuyama. Other visible titles include works by Glenn Patterson, H.G. Wells, and Jonathan Swift. Books are oversized compared to the person.

Animations

Raoul Martinez on The Myth of Responsibility

Are we wholly responsible for our actions? We don’t choose our brains, our genetic inheritance, our circumstances – so how much control do we really have over our lives? Philosopher Raoul Martinez argues that no one is truly blameworthy.

8 Dec 2017

Illustration shows a game wheel labeled with "inequality" and one "luck 'n' riches" segment. People in stylized clothing, resembling different professions, stand around. The background is orange.

Animations

Simon Sinek on Intensity vs Consistency

Why do workplaces always go for quick wins and flashy paint jobs over steady, consistent change? Watch this witty extract from Simon Sinek’s acclaimed RSA talk on organisational culture.

11 Oct 2017

Cartoon of a muscular figure in pink lifting dumbbells, while a slim, expressionless figure in blue observes. The background is off-white, creating contrast between the two characters.

Animations

Jonathan Haidt on Why We’re Convinced We’re Right

Renowned social psychologist Jonathan Haidt shares a shocking personal example of confirmation bias on social media, and shows just how vital it is for us to open up and absorb ideas from across the political spectrum.

30 May 2017

Illustration featuring abstract faces on a wooden board. Text in the center reads "REPUBLICAN MAN EATS A SWAN." Tabs labeled "WOR," "PATRICIA," and "PICS" protrude from the board, all set against a muted purple background.

Animations

Simon Sinek on Millennials

Sensational leadership guru Simon Sinek argues the case for the much-maligned millennial generation, and suggests ways we can harness their unique abilities for the common good.

28 Feb 2017