I'm interested in how the Internet spreads information.

Groups become more extreme and entrenched in their beliefs and polarized from others when members only exchange information that reinforces their views and filter out all else or never learn of alternatives. Thus they narrow their options, and magnify each other's prejudices and misconceptions. This trend leads to blind spots in decision making and to extreme behavior, even terrorism.

Once we know that people are human and have some Homer Simpson in them, then there's a lot that can be done to manipulate them.

Most problems are best solved privately, not through government. There's a problem of discourtesy in the world, which is best handled through social norms, which are indispensable. But you wouldn't want the government to be mandating courtesy.

Faust seems to have exerted a big influence on Star Wars. You know, the "give up your soul for immortality" or something.

Donald Trump and Senator Cruz have occasional Manichean tendencies.

I dealt with people with diverse political views. If you find people who are your political opponents, and talk to them for an hour, chances are you're going to like them, and they're not full of hate.