Equal in width? Keep reading to find out. . .
OK, actually, what behavioral economist Dan Ariely asks is, “Are we in control of our own decisions?” Or at least that’s the name of his fantastic, provocative TED talk. Definitely check it out.
If you’re not hooked by Ariely’s graphic, photographer-friendly example of irrational thinking that you will encounter after two minutes, the rest of the 17 minute talk are not for you. But I think you’ll appreciate Ariely’s exploration of irrational behavior in relation to the human visual system, which he points out, we use more than any other sensory mechanism – by far.
Dan Airely talks about the ramifications of perception.
Ariely reaches some pretty enticing and compelling conclusions about how his ideas relate to modern humanity, and how our irrational shortcomings might be our downfall, or how the understanding of these might lead to our salvation from the havoc they reap.
If you are not a TED fan, you should be. Unlike the wonderful mess that is YouTube, the content of the TED Talks is very filtered, both by the nature of the presenters, as well as their restriction of presenting in less than 20 minutes. No run-on lectures here.
Dan Airely talks about the ramifications of perception.
Photographers are masters as using other’s irrational behavior – in the form of visual perception – to best promote our messages. We “burn” a background to focus attention on the face. We “warm” skin tones to make a person more “attractive.” But I for one do not often think of these visual aptitudes as relating to one of the most profound aspects of humanity. And I couldn’t explain very well what Ariely got me thinking. So I’ll turn you over to him. Enjoy!
Other Ted Talks you think photographers MUST see?