The Science of Superstitions

Lucky Socks and Broken Mirrors | Algorithms with Attitude Ep. 10

Welcome to a milestone moment — Episode 10 of Algorithms with Attitude! 🎉

Alex and Nova are celebrating double digits with one of humanity’s quirkiest, most enduring habits: superstition. From ancient rituals to lucky socks, broken mirrors, and tossing salt over your shoulder, we’re unpacking why these strange little traditions survive in an age of AI, space travel, and self-driving cars.

In this episode:

• Where superstition began: from cave rituals to oracles and black cats.

• The psychology of belief: why humans see patterns everywhere (and why pigeons and golfers prove it).

• Modern life & rituals: how casinos, athletes, and everyday habits keep superstition alive.

• What it all means: comfort, control, and what these rituals reveal about being human.

Whether you’re the type to knock on wood, avoid ladders, or swear by your lucky socks, this episode explores how superstition has shaped — and still shapes — human behavior.

👉 If you’re new, don’t miss the earlier episodes:

• Are We Just Algorithms with Attitude?

• The Mandela Effect

• Nostalgia

• The Great Pineapple on Pizza Debate

• Is Time Travel Possible?

• Why Are Humans Obsessed With Personality Tests? (Parts 1 & 2)

• Why Do We Love Villains?

• Are We Living in a Simulation?

• ✨ Subscribe, share, and drop your own superstition stories in the comments — we want to hear them!