RSA Shorts

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Loneliness and the power of connection | Vivek Murthy

23 May 2023

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.

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How Big Tech betrayed us | Rana Foroohar

26 Jan 2021

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.

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Is Our Attention for Sale? | James Williams

27 Aug 2020

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.

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

25 Feb 2019

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.

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The Truth About Algorithms | Cathy O’Neil

17 Oct 2018

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?

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Rutger Bregman on Radical Ideas and Why They Still Matter

28 Feb 2018

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.

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Raoul Martinez on The Myth of Responsibility

8 Dec 2017

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.

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Simon Sinek on Intensity vs Consistency

11 Oct 2017

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.

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

30 May 2017

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.

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Simon Sinek on Millennials

28 Feb 2017

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.