Join us for a discussion led by Erez Yoeli, a research scientist at MIT’s Sloan School of Management, about using game theory to gain insight on spin and motivated reasoning.

"Spin" is ubiquitous in private, professional, and political life. Why does spin persist even though others anticipate it and adjust accordingly? What features is spin liable to have? Under what conditions are people likely to spin? We'll use a bit of simple game theory to try to answer these questions. Our analyses also sheds light on how and why people use "motivated reasoning" to fool themselves, in much the same ways they use spin to fool others.

Erez directs the Applied Cooperation Team at MIT Sloan. His research focuses on altruism: understanding how it works and how to promote it. He collaborates with governments, nonprofits, and companies to apply these insights to address real-world challenges like increasing energy conservation, improving antibiotic adherence, reducing smoking in public places, and promoting philanthropy.