Utter bollocks RT @David_Dobbs: Paul Zak, 'Dr Love,' calls oxytocin 'the moral molecule.' That's just WRONG.. http://m.guardian.co.uk/science/2012/jul/15/interview-dr-love-paul-zak?cat=science&type=article- Zak is truly the "ideal TED speaker": oblivious to evidence that doesn't fit his big idea. RT @David_dobbs http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2012/jul/15/interview-dr-love-paul-zak?newsfeed=true
- Apparently, I have nothing better to do so I'll tweet a critique of that ridiculous "moral molecule" interview. Hashtag: #schmoxytocin
- First, that seminal trust exp't that Zak's given sole credit for? He's 3rd author ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15931222 #schmoxytocin
- ...Markus Heinrichs was also involved. He told me: "It isn’t the wonder drug that makes everyone happy and social"... #schmoxytocin
- So, sure, since '05 there have been many studies showing oxytocin whiffs boost empathy/trust/whatever, but... #schmoxytocin
- ... here's oxytocin boosting schadenfreude and envy http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=oxytocin%20schadenfreude... #schmoxytocin
- Here it is making people misremember their mums as more/less caring based on their mindsets... ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21115834 #schmoxytocin
- Here's oxytocin *reducing* trust and cooperation in people w/ borderline personality disorder... ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21115541 #schmoxytocin
- And more evidence that oxytocin's has polar opposite effects depending on the social situation http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=declerck%20oxytocin #schmoxytocin
- And here's oxytocin promoting in-group bias. HUGS! (But only to your mates)... ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21220339 #schmoxytocin
- So rather than cataloguing endless effects, what we need to do is understand what oxytocin *actually does*... #schmoxytocin
- A hypothesis: oxytocin = chemical spotlight that makes social cues more salient. Cld boost trust OR worsen social sensitivity #schmoxytocin
- Another hypothesis: it motivates ppl to seek social connections. Cld increase trust, but also inc favouritism in-group bias. #schmoxytocin
- Either way, none of this is consistent with oxytocin being just a "moral molecule" or "cuddle chemical" #bewarealliteration #schmoxytocin
- And really why would it be? Oxytocin is evolutionarily ancient. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20633131 Is it a "moral molecule" for inverts too? #schmoxytocin
- Why am I ranting about this? Because oxytocin hype means vulnerable ppl are buying it to medicate their kids... #schmoxytocin
- Lots of clinical trials looking at oxytocin for autism, schizophrenia etc but worried parents buying nasal sprays is different #schmoxytocin
- Look at everything I've tweeted. Oxytocin's effects vary according to indiv + situation. Cld make things worse, not better... #schmoxytocin
- Clinicians get this. Heinrichs again: "“From the early data, it’s very clear that oxytocin alone will do nothing"... #schmoxytocin
- So yes, the TED-friendly "trust is hormonal" schtick might woo audiences and sell books, but it's not science. #schmoxytocin
- Oh also, oxytocin could trigger premature labour. So probably don't buy it and shove it up your nose, m'kay? #schmoxytocin
- . @kaytsukel This is a good review of the oxytocin stuff I've tweeted ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21696997 #schmoxytocin
- More good criticism of the oxytocin "hug hormone" silliness. bit.ly/OIXBRX . Thanks @ThePhysSoc #schmoxytocin
Matthew GriggKinda interesting folks2012-09-18T12:52:31.150Z
