Peter Dodds on Text-Based Timeline Analysis & New Instruments for The Science of Stories

from COMPLEXITY · host Michael Garfield, Peter Dodds

"There are decades where nothing happens; and there are weeks where decades happen.”– Vladimir Ilyich LeninWhen human beings saw the first pictures of the Earth from space, the impact was transformative. New instruments for taking in new vistas, for understanding our relationships and contexts at a different scale, have in some ways defined the history of not just science but the evolution of intelligence. And now, thanks to the surfeit of textual data offered up by social media, researchers can peer into the dynamics of human society and analyze the turbulent flows of stories that drive our collective behavior and twist time itself into nonlinear structures. As a species, we are on the cusp of a new epoch in which the body politic reveals itself to us in real-time like a single human body in an MRI. How will these tools change how we think about the world and what it means to be a person in it?Welcome to COMPLEXITY, the official podcast of the Santa Fe Institute. I’m your host, Michael Garfield, and every other week we’ll bring you with us for far-ranging conversations with our worldwide network of rigorous researchers developing new frameworks to explain the deepest mysteries of the universe.This week we speak with Peter Dodds of the University of Vermont’s Complex Systems Center and Computational Story Lab about how to use Twitter data as a kind of satellite telescope observing the collective mentation of humankind — what it reveals, and what it doesn’t, opening a cornucopia of questions about how we measure sentiment and the power of narrative for social control.Tis the season, so if you value our research and communication efforts, please consider making a donation at santafe.edu/podcastgive — and/or rating and reviewing us at Apple Podcasts. You can find numerous other ways to engage with us at santafe.edu/engage.Avid readers take note that SFI Press’ latest volume, Complexity Economics: Proceedings of the Santa Fe Institute's 2019 Fall Symposium, is now available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle eBook formats.Thank you for listening!Follow Peter Dodds at Twitter and read the papers we discuss (and many more) at Google Scholar.And then go play with Hedonometer & Story Wrangler.Join our Facebook discussion group to meet like minds and talk about each episode.Podcast theme music by Mitch Mignano.Follow us on social media:Twitter • YouTube • Facebook • Instagram • LinkedIn

NOW PLAYING

0:00 1:30:23

1×

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

Our Immune Systems Are Full of Ancient Weapons

May 12, 2026 ·29m

Introducing Drilled: Carbon Cowboys

May 12, 2026 ·27m

20 Facebook Ads Tips For Financial Advisors

May 11, 2026 ·22m

Here’s Why The US And China Struggle To Play Nice

May 8, 2026 ·10m

What Can We Gain by Losing Infinity?

May 5, 2026 ·30m

The End of Cold Prospecting: Three Proven Methods to Warm Up Prospects

May 4, 2026 ·24m

Similar Podcasts

CISO Perspectives (public) N2K Networks This season on CISO Perspectives, host Kim Jones explores some of the challenges of leading through uncertainty. We explore the complexity of the changing nature of regulation and working with the federal government, the evolution of privacy and fraud, and how emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing are changing cyber. When you don’t know what questions to ask, you’re afraid to ask, or don’t know who to ask, CISO Perspectives provides the foundation for learning in this brave new world. Product Management Stories Denny Klisch The complexity of Product Management can discourage young professionals and aspiring individuals from pursuing a career in the field. The purpose of this Podcast is to demystify the complexity of Product Management for young Product Managers or people who want to get into Product Management. The Podcast provides valuable insights into the journeys of successful Product Managers, which helps the audience understand the skills, tools, and techniques they need to develop to become successful Product Managers. Deeply Well with Devi Brown The Black Effect Podcast Network and iHeartPodcasts Deeply Well Where higher consciousness meets the complexity of being human.Hosted by Well-Being Master Teacher and multi-disciplinary healer Devi Brown, Deeply Well is a soft place to land for those navigating the quiet, courageous work of becoming whole. Through soul-expanding conversations, guided meditations, and our signature Soul Work, each episode explores what it truly means to heal, to rewire, and to return—to your body, your truth, and your unique path. Created for the seekers, the sensitives, the creatives, and anyone reclaiming peace in a world that often overwhelms, Deeply Well invites you into presence, clarity, and self-mastery—one breath, one practice, one guest at a time.Devi Brown is the founder of Devi Brown Well-Being, former Chief Impact Officer at Chopra Global, and the author of Living in Wisdom and Crystal Bliss. Her work honors the sacred complexity of healing and guides you gently back to yourself—again and again. Comfort in the Workplace Braudis Frano Braudis Frano discusses the culture framework "Comfort in the Workplace". "Comfort in the Workplace" helps leaders establish a culture that enables teams to reach their potential.Braudis covers tools and topics related to the 13 tenets of Comfort in the Workplace - Respect for Team Members, Demand Excellence, Stewardship, Accountability, Consistent Communication, Remove Micromanagement, Simplify Complexity, Continuous Improvement, Proactive Action, Expect Success, Healthy Collaboration, Transparency, and Focus on the Important.Braudis interweaves stories based on his experience to help bring Comfort in the Workplace to life and ensure that you can develop your leadership and establish a high performing culture with your team.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of COMPLEXITY?

This episode is 1 hour and 30 minutes long.

When was this COMPLEXITY episode published?

This episode was published on November 26, 2020.

What is this episode about?

Can I download this COMPLEXITY episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.

URL copied to clipboard!