I’m one of those people who has trouble connecting with EA emotionally, even though I fully “get” it rationally. My field is cost-benefit analysis for public programs so I fully understand the moral and statistical basis for giving to the mathematically “correct” charity. But I don’t feel any particular personal connection to, say, Deworming the World, so I’m more apt to donate to something I feel connected to.
In EA thinking, emotions and “warm fuzzy” feelings tend to be looked upon disparagingly. However, our emotions and passions are powerful and essential to our humanity, and I think that accomplishing what we want (driving more resources to the needy in the most effective way possible) requires understanding that we are humans, not GiveBots.
To me, one solution is to use the tools of behavioral psychology to encourage people to give more where we want. I’m talking about touching heartstrings, helping us see the actual people we are helping, and talking stories instead of just numbers.
I’m one of those people who has trouble connecting with EA emotionally, even though I fully “get” it rationally. My field is cost-benefit analysis for public programs so I fully understand the moral and statistical basis for giving to the mathematically “correct” charity. But I don’t feel any particular personal connection to, say, Deworming the World, so I’m more apt to donate to something I feel connected to.
In EA thinking, emotions and “warm fuzzy” feelings tend to be looked upon disparagingly. However, our emotions and passions are powerful and essential to our humanity, and I think that accomplishing what we want (driving more resources to the needy in the most effective way possible) requires understanding that we are humans, not GiveBots.
To me, one solution is to use the tools of behavioral psychology to encourage people to give more where we want. I’m talking about touching heartstrings, helping us see the actual people we are helping, and talking stories instead of just numbers.
Thanks for the post!
Sounds like we are thinking along the same lines.