TED Talks Society and Culture
380 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 months ago - ★★★★ - 688 ratingsThought-provoking videos about life and being human, with ideas from business leaders, psychologists and researchers speaking onstage at the TED conference, TEDx events and partner events around the world. You can also download these and many other videos free on TED.com, with an interactive English transcript and subtitles in up to 80 languages. TED is a nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading.
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Episodes
Is remote work better than being in the office? It's complicated | Mark Mortensen
July 18, 2023 14:44 - 7 minutes VideoOpinions about remote work are plentiful and conflicting -- but what does the research say? Organizational design expert Mark Mortensen identifies the challenges of navigating the hybrid work debate and shares three conversation topics every workplace should explore as people change the way they show up on the job.
4 ways to make hybrid work better for everyone | Tsedal Neeley
April 12, 2023 14:24 - 4 minutes VideoHow can we rethink hybrid work so it brings out the best in both in-person and distributed employees? Leadership expert Tsedal Neeley shares the changes that we need to make in order to create workplaces that actually work -- no matter where you're located.
The surprising psychology behind your urge to break the rules | Paul Bloom
March 16, 2023 14:57 - 10 minutes VideoWe all experience it: that desire to do something wrong just for the sake of it. Whether it's walking on manicured grass or sticking your finger in a friend's ice cream, psychologist Paul Bloom invites us to see the clever, creative and beautiful side of these minor impulses to do bad. He dives into the psychology behind this all-too-human condition -- and proposes that it helps make our world a little more unpredictable and fun.
Demystifying the wild world of crypto | Laura Shin
December 05, 2022 16:02 - 56 minutes - 442 MB VideoIs crypto truly the next big thing, or is it just a money-sucking flash in the pan? In a wide-ranging interview, journalist Laura Shin explains what crypto is (and what it definitely isn't), taking us through the most recent turns in its constantly evolving story -- including the recent meltdown caused by the bankruptcy of FTX. (This conversation, hosted by TED tech curator Simone Ross, was part of an exclusive TED Membership event on November 30, 2022. Visit ted.com/membership to be...
How to tackle the stigma of living with HIV | Gareth Thomas
December 01, 2022 15:38 - 10 minutes VideoAfter his HIV diagnosis, former pro rugby player Gareth Thomas set out on a mission to tackle the stigma and shame that prevent people from getting the testing and care they need. In this empowering talk, Thomas shares his mission to demystify and redefine what it means to live with HIV -- and shares how each of us can normalize conversations around all vilified conditions.
The truth about faking orgasms | Karen Gurney
October 17, 2022 15:28 - 11 minutes - 93 MB VideoWhose pleasure is prioritized during sex, and why? Psychosexologist Karen Gurney explains how a lack of equal pleasure in the bedroom actually reflects broader gender inequality in society -- and asks you to reconsider what dynamics are at play, even behind closed doors.
I'm terrified of wanting to be a billionaire | Pardis Parker
October 14, 2022 14:48 - 6 minutes - 45.3 MB VideoComedian Pardis Parker presents an unfortunate truth: being rich won't make you a legend. In this rollicking comedy set, he roasts society's obsession with billionaires -- and offers an alternative way to leave a legacy.
4 ways to design a disability-friendly future | Meghan Hussey
October 11, 2022 14:49 - 9 minutes VideoNearly fifteen percent of the world's population lives with a disability, yet this massive chunk of humanity is still routinely excluded from opportunities. Sharing her experience growing up with an autistic sister, disability inclusion advocate Meghan Hussey illuminates the path towards an inclusive future in four steps, and it starts with an attitude check on assumptions and stereotypes. Designing a world built for everyone is not a "nice to have," Hussey says -- it's critical to t...
The online community supporting queer Africans | Okong'o Kinyanjui
September 29, 2022 16:01 - 8 minutes - 70 MB VideoFeeling safe is a human right -- but in many African countries, colonial-era laws make it dangerous for LGBTQIA+ people to gather and share their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Creating a space that leaves no room for discrimination, pan-African LGBTQIA+ advocate Okong'o Kinyanjui cofounded an online platform that gives queer people access to opportunities, mentorship and support, providing the visibility and community every person needs to thrive.
How to build an equitable and just climate future | Peggy Shepard
August 18, 2022 14:39 - 11 minutes - 90.1 MB VideoEveryone has the right to a clean environment -- but major disparities exist when it comes to who faces the consequences of pollution. Environmental justice leader Peggy Shepard points to the disproportionate impact that hazardous environmental conditions have on Black, brown and Indigenous communities and challenges us to build a truly equitable future that turns "sacrifice zones" -- where community health is sacrificed for the sake of development -- into "green zones" that redress ...
A new understanding of human history and the roots of inequality | David Wengrow
July 22, 2022 14:36 - 17 minutes VideoWhat if the commonly accepted narratives about the foundation of civilization are all wrong? Drawing on groundbreaking research, archaeologist David Wengrow challenges traditional thinking about the social evolution of humanity -- from the invention of agriculture to the formation of cities and class systems -- and explains how rethinking history can radically change our perspective on inequality and modern life.
An invitation to reexamine your familiar world | Gillian Tett
June 28, 2022 14:40 - 12 minutes - 103 MB VideoBefore entering the world of financial journalism, Gillian Tett was a cultural anthropologist who studied how the past influences our present thoughts and behaviors. In an entertaining talk, she shows how you can use an anthropological outlook to see the world with fresh eyes -- and welcome new and different cultural truths into your life.
A creator-led internet, built on blockchain | Adam Mosseri
May 17, 2022 14:39 - 13 minutes - 108 MB VideoAs digital assets like cryptocurrency and NFTs become more mainstream, design thinker and head of Instagram Adam Mosseri believes that creators are uniquely positioned to benefit. These blockchain-enabled technologies could remove the need for a "middleman" in the form of large social media platforms, allowing creators to more freely distribute their work and connect with their audiences. He explains how this new age of the internet will give way to "the greatest transfer of power fr...
How to heal a divided world | Michèle Lamont
April 29, 2022 14:46 - 15 minutes - 129 MB VideoHow do we define worth in society, and who gets status? Sociologist Michele Lamont studies these questions and investigates ways to broaden the circle of recognition and fight the harm of social stigmatization. She lays out the steps needed to make more inclusive societies -- and it all starts by expanding our idea of who matters.
What my gender transition taught me about womanhood | Paula Stone Williams
March 29, 2022 15:16 - 14 minutes VideoAfter leading a well-established life as a pastor, father and husband, Paula Stone Williams could no longer deny her truth and transitioned. In this conversational and at times humorous reflection, Williams offers her perspective on the everyday experiences lost, gained and once taken for granted in her journey of trans womanhood.
The future will be shaped by optimists | Kevin Kelly
March 23, 2022 14:44 - 9 minutes Video"Every great and difficult thing has required a strong sense of optimism," says editor and author Kevin Kelly, who believes that we have a moral obligation to be optimistic. Tracing humanity's progress throughout history, he's observed that a positive outlook helps us solve problems and empowers us to forge a path forward. In this illuminating talk, he shares three reasons for optimism during challenging times, explaining how it can help us become better ancestors and create the worl...
3 reasons for optimism in difficult times | Kevin Kelly
March 23, 2022 14:44 - 78.8 MB Video"Every great and difficult thing has required a strong sense of optimism," says editor and author Kevin Kelly, who believes that we have a moral obligation to be optimistic. Tracing humanity's progress throughout history, he's observed that a positive outlook helps us solve problems and empowers us to forge a path forward. In this illuminating talk, he shares three reasons for optimism during challenging times, explaining how it can help us become better ancestors and create the worl...
3 things men can do to promote gender equity | Jimmie Briggs
March 15, 2022 14:55 - 9 minutes - 74.1 MB Video"It is time for a gender reckoning, beginning with men authentically confronting our internal selves and each other," says essayist and intersectional justice advocate Jimmie Briggs. In this call to action for gender equity, he unpacks how traditional notions of masculinity harm society and offers three ways men can help promote personal safety, dignity and empowerment for all.
The origins of blackface and Black stereotypes | Dwan Reece
February 07, 2022 16:05 - 6 minutes - 53.7 MB VideoIf you're wondering why blackface -- mimicking people of African descent via stereotypes and makeup-darkened skin -- is a big deal, then perhaps a little history lesson can help demystify the outcry. Dwan Reece, curator at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, explains how this practice permeates the American psyche and culture (in theater, music, books and beyond) and why it's not simply harmless fun, but a legacy of oppression.
I'm tired of people telling me to "grind" | Pardis Parker
January 10, 2022 17:19 - 8 minutes - 72.2 MB VideoIn an uproarious stand-up set, comedian Pardis Parker rails against a central tenet of modern culture: the "grind."
A free and fair internet benefits everyone | Priscilla Chomba-Kinywa
December 23, 2021 16:08 - 74.6 MB VideoWithout the internet, how would you have coped with the pandemic -- from work and school, to maintaining your closest relationships? In the digital age, reliance on the internet is so common and seems ubiquitous, yet billions of people worldwide still go without it. Digital transformation strategist Priscilla Chomba-Kinywa advocates for collective access to the opportunities and potential the internet provides, underscoring the necessity of free and fair digital rights for all.
Why a free and fair internet is more vital than ever | Priscilla Chomba-Kinywa
December 23, 2021 16:08 - 9 minutes VideoWithout the internet, how would you have coped with the pandemic -- from work and school, to maintaining your closest relationships? In the digital age, reliance on the internet is so common and seems ubiquitous, yet billions of people worldwide still go without it. Digital transformation strategist Priscilla Chomba-Kinywa advocates for collective access to the opportunities and potential the internet provides, underscoring the necessity of free and fair digital rights for all.
How to escape the cynicism trap | Jamil Zaki
December 21, 2021 15:34 - 12 minutes VideoSome days, it's hard to be optimistic. But cynicism -- the idea that people are inherently selfish, greedy and dishonest -- is making humanity lonelier and more divided, says psychologist Jamil Zaki. Presenting fascinating research on cooperation, empathy and trust, Zaki makes the scientific case for optimism and shows us how to break out of the cynicism trap.
The forest is our teacher. It's time to respect it | Nemonte Nenquimo
November 23, 2021 16:02 - 8 minutes - 63.7 MB VideoFor thousands of years, the Amazon rainforest has provided food, water and spiritual connection for its Indigenous inhabitants and the world. But the endless extraction of its natural resources by oil companies and others is destroying the lives of those who live there, says Waorani leader Nemonte Nenquimo, and threatening the overall stability of Earth's biosphere. In this powerful talk, she reminds us of the destruction that continues to happen to the world's largest tropical rainf...
The haunting truth of ghost stories | Coya Paz Brownrigg
October 29, 2021 20:04 - 11 minutes VideoGhost stories reveal much more than the ghouls and spirits that haunt them. Settle in for a spooky delight as theater educator Coya Paz Brownrigg lays out three types of bone-chilling tales and exhumes the grave truths they hold about longing, meaning and the cultural value of eerie encounters.
How humanity doubled life expectancy in a century | Steven Johnson
October 08, 2021 14:53 - 13 minutes VideoDoubling human life expectancy in a century is our greatest achievement, says author Steven Johnson. How did we make it happen -- and can we keep it going? Backed by fascinating historical anecdotes, he shares some life-lengthening innovations and reminds us of three key things needed to make sure all of humanity enjoys these advancements in health.
The inaccurate link between body ideals and health | Nancy N. Chen
September 14, 2021 16:15 - 9 minutes - 75.2 MB VideoGlobal obesity rates are on the rise, but body shaming campaigns are doing more harm than good, says medical anthropologist Nancy N. Chen. Reflecting on how the cultural histories of body ideals have changed over time, she offers a new way to view ourselves and our health by enhancing body diversity to close the gap between what's ideal and what's real.
A taste of Mexico's ancient chocolate-making tradition | Germán Santillán
September 01, 2021 14:49 - 5 minutes VideoDating back more than 800 years, chocolate is deeply woven into the Indigenous history of Oaxaca, Mexico. TED Fellow Germán Santillán talks about his work reviving the Mixtec technique used to prepare this ancient delicacy by training a new generation of local farmers -- helping create economic opportunity and preserve a delicious legacy at the same time.
The radical, revolutionary resilience of Black joy | Miracle Jones
July 27, 2021 16:11 - 11 minutes - 92.5 MB VideoIn the face of trauma, happiness is resilience: a revolutionary act of thriving despite all odds, rather than wilting or surrendering. Community organizer and activist Miracle Jones offers a heart-to-heart meditation on the role of joy as a form of radical resistance, survival and protection for Black folks in the US and across the world. A warm reminder to embrace the guiding light of hope in the presence of darkness.
3 myths about racism that keep the US from progress | Candis Watts Smith
July 16, 2021 15:21 - 10 minutes VideoRacism morphs, spreading and hiding behind numerous half-truths and full-blown falsities about where it lives and who embodies it. In this actionable talk, political scientist Candis Watts Smith debunks three widely accepted myths about racism in the US and calls for a nuanced, more expansive definition to support this new era of anti-racist action.
Why aren't there more Native American restaurants? | Sean Sherman
July 06, 2021 14:57 - 18 minutes - 143 MB VideoWhen you think of North American cuisine, do Indigenous foods come to mind? Chef Sean Sherman serves up an essential history lesson that explains the absence of Native American culinary traditions across the continent, highlighting why revitalizing Indigenous education sits at the center of a better diet and healthier relationship with the planet.
The anxiety that comes from being treated like an outsider | Valerie Purdie-Greenaway
June 03, 2021 20:01 - 11 minutes - 92.9 MB VideoThe stress you may feel being otherized or stereotyped can take a significant toll on your health and well-being. In this thoughtful conversation, social psychologist Valerie Purdie-Greenaway reveals the true source of this anxiety (hint: it isn't the individual) and shares strategies on building resilient systems of support for ourselves and others -- so that we can build a more inclusive, empathic and just world. (This conversation, hosted by TED curator Cloe Shasha Brooks, is part...
The infinite alchemy of storytelling | Zahra Al-Mahdi
May 24, 2021 13:37 - 4 minutes VideoTED Fellow Zahra Al-Mahdi was raised by screens -- "storytelling machines" like TV and the internet that shaped her sense of self and reality. Now a multimedia artist and filmmaker, she challenges common historical narratives and brings a multiplicity of perspectives to the surface. In this dynamic talk, Al-Mahdi traces her development as a storyteller using satire, dark humor and tactile collage techniques to expand what we think we know about ourselves.
The real-life superheroes helping Syrian refugees | Feras Fayyad
May 24, 2021 13:35 - 6 minutes - 49.9 MB VideoSociety has a set of stories it tells itself about who refugees are and what they look like, says documentarian and TED Fellow Feras Fayyad. With his films, he's on a mission to separate the facts about refugees from fiction, as a form of resistance -- for himself, his daughter and the millions of other Syrian refugees across the world. A harrowing account, a quest to end injustice and a testament to the power of storytelling.
A feminist reimagining of Kenya's public transport | Naomi Mwaura
May 24, 2021 13:13 - 5 minutes - 41.7 MB VideoKenya's minibuses -- known as "matatus" -- offer a convenient, affordable and colorful way for people to get around. But they also pose safety risks and accessibility issues for many of their passengers, especially women. Bringing a feminist perspective, activist and TED Fellow Naomi Mwaura calls for a revolution in public transportation by making routes transparent, protecting passengers from harassment and paving a career path for women in the industry.
A feminist reimagining of Kenya's colorful "matatu" minibuses | Naomi Mwaura
May 24, 2021 13:13 - 37.3 MB VideoKenya's minibuses -- known as "matatus" -- offer a convenient, affordable and colorful way for people to get around. But they also pose safety risks and accessibility issues for many of their passengers, especially women. Bringing a feminist perspective, activist and TED Fellow Naomi Mwaura calls for a revolution in public transportation by making routes transparent, protecting passengers from harassment and paving a career path for women in the industry.
What's your happiness score? | Dominic Price
May 07, 2021 15:38 - 14 minutes - 118 MB VideoHow do you rediscover a happier, more purpose-driven (and less productivity-obsessed) self in the wake of the pandemic? Quiz yourself alongside work futurist Dominic Price as he lays out a simple yet insightful four-part guide to assessing your life in ways that can help you reconnect with what's really important.
An honest history of an ancient and "nasty" word | Kate Lister
April 01, 2021 15:06 - 19 minutes - 153 MB VideoWith candor and cunning, sex historian Kate Lister chronicles the curious journey of an ancient, honest word with innocent origins and a now-scandalous connotation in this uproarious love letter to etymology, queens, cows and all things "cunt." (This talk contains mature language.)
Language around gender and identity evolves (and always has) | Archie Crowley
March 31, 2021 15:07 - 13 minutes - 107 MB VideoDictionaries and grammar "rules" don't have the final word on language -- and believing they do can harm more than help, especially for the trans community. Sociolinguist Archie Crowley deconstructs three common myths around language, demonstrating how it's a fluid system that naturally evolves in the direction of inclusion.
What if mental health workers responded to emergency calls? | Leslie Herod
March 15, 2021 15:12 - 9 minutes - 77.6 MB VideoWhen you report an emergency in the US, police, firefighters or paramedics answer the call. What if mental health professionals responded, too? Colorado State Representative Leslie Herod shares a straightforward and research-backed approach that brings heart and humanity to criminal justice rather than unnecessary fines and arrests -- and keeps crises from escalating into traumatic, or even deadly, events.
Love, sorrow and the emotions that power climate action | Knut Ivar Bjørlykhaug
March 09, 2021 20:12 - 12 minutes - 101 MB VideoPicture your favorite place in nature. How would you feel if it disappeared tomorrow? In this love letter to the planet, social worker and environmental activist Knut Ivar Bjørlykhaug invites us to confront the deep, difficult emotions -- love, sorrow and even rage -- born from climate-driven ecological loss in order to act in service of our collective home.
Why there's no such thing as objective reality | Greg Anderson
February 23, 2021 16:05 - 16 minutes VideoIn the grand scheme of history, modern reality is a bizarre exception when compared to the worlds of ancient, precolonial and Indigenous civilizations, where myths ruled and gods roamed, says historian Greg Anderson. So why do Westerners today think they're right about reality and everybody else is wrong? Anderson tears into the fabric of objective reality to reveal the many universes that lie beyond -- and encourages a healthy reimagining of what other possible ways of being human c...
How to get everyone to care about a green economy | Angela Francis
February 05, 2021 16:29 - 11 minutes - 88.4 MB VideoHow do you get the environment to the top of everyone's priority list? You can't, says climate advocate Angela Francis -- but you can get them to care about improving their lives. In this pragmatic talk, she shares her playbook for helping even the most skeptical among us see the benefits of a greener economy on their health, wealth and well-being.
3 ways companies can support grieving employees | Tilak Mandadi
January 05, 2021 16:02 - 11 minutes - 93.7 MB VideoWhen we experience loss, grief travels with us everywhere -- even work. What can companies do to support grieving employees? Sharing his own story of unimaginable heartbreak, Tilak Mandadi offers three ways organizations can cultivate a culture of workplace empathy, creating an environment that encourages community, productivity and joy. (This talk contains mature content.)
Who counts as a speaker of a language? | Anna Babel
December 16, 2020 16:00 - 10 minutes VideoBacked by research and personal anecdotes, Spanish professor Anna Babel reveals the intricate relationship between language and culture, showing how social categories and underlying biases influence the way we hear, regard and, ultimately, judge each other. A talk that will leave you questioning your assumptions about what it really means to speak a language.
A playful exploration of gender performance | Jo Michael Rezes
November 18, 2020 21:20 - 17 minutes VideoFrom the stage to everyday life, theater educator Jo Michael Rezes studies queer identity and the spectrum of gender performance — in its success and failure. Aided by a delightful introduction of campy charm, Rezes explores the freeing potential of playing with gender to better understand ourselves, each other and the spaces we inhabit.
The psychology of inequality and political division | Keith Payne
September 14, 2020 15:26 - 12 minutes Video"If we want to fix our politics, we have to do something about inequality," says social psychologist Keith Payne. Showing how economic inequality changes the way people see and behave towards one another, Payne helps explain the rise of the political polarization that's slicing up society -- and challenges us to think twice the next time we dismiss someone for the sake of politics.
Want a more just world? Be an unlikely ally | Dwinita Mosby Tyler
July 15, 2020 20:18 - 10 minutes - 81 MB VideoA more equal world starts with you. Citing a formative moment from her own life, equity advocate Dwinita Mosby Tyler highlights why showing up and fighting for others who face injustices beyond your own lived experience leads to a fairer, more just future for all.
Want a more just world? Be an unlikely ally | Nita Mosby Tyler
July 15, 2020 20:18 - 81 MB VideoA more equal world starts with you. Citing a formative moment from her own life, equity advocate Nita Mosby Tyler highlights why showing up and fighting for others who face injustices beyond your own lived experience leads to a fairer, more just future for all.
How to disrupt philanthropy in response to crisis | Darren Walker
July 10, 2020 14:58 - 51 minutes - 406 MB VideoIf we want to build back better after the pandemic, we must reconsider philanthropy and create a new kind of capitalism that's rooted in generosity and accountability, says Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation. In this vital conversation, Walker calls for citizens and corporations to question the inequality that makes their wealth possible, to think about their own complicity in creating economic injustice and to celebrate the critical role art plays in creating a culture ...