Things everyone in ML should know about belief formation in humans [video]
One of the most impactful essays I read this year was this one by Kevim Simler on how people adopt beliefs:
<a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;meltingasphalt.com&#x2F;crony-beliefs&#x2F;" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;meltingasphalt.com&#x2F;crony-beliefs&#x2F;</a><p>It&#x27;s changed my beliefs about beliefs.  I&#x27;ve always thought that people adopt erroneous beliefs either because of logical fallacies, repeated exposure to false information, or by listening to a gifted orator.<p>His argument is that people adopt beliefs because they appear to be true or because they are useful.  Beliefs can provide utility by giving you social approval, or removing cognitive dissonance while you pay your bills.<p>Chances are that you and I hold false beliefs that are useful that may not be true.  If you&#x27;re in the tech industry, you&#x27;re probably less critical about your company and more techno-optimistic in general in part because you gain wealth by going along with corporate and industry propaganda.<p>I&#x27;m now more suspicious of any beliefs I have that are conveniently useful to me.