Site icon Yes, I Am Cheap

Does Money Make You Mean? Answer: Yes!

money mind

In one of my favorite Ted Talks, social psychologist Paul Piff shares his research into how people behave when they feel wealthy.  Individuals were divided into a rigged game of Monopoly where groups were divided into a group of rich players and a group of poorl players. As the game went on, the “rich” players began treating the “poor” players badly.

Even in a rigged game where players had a clear advantage, the “rich” players credited their success to their own strategies instead of their access to greater resources in the first place. As these players’ level of wealth increased, their compassion decreased and feeling of entitlement increased.

Paul Piff shares the results of many years of social experiment that show how the interest of others decrease as wealth increases. Money can change you! Watch this very insightful Ted Talk and ask yourself, have you changed as your financial situation has improved.