KJZZ is a service of Rio Salado College,
and Maricopa Community Colleges

Copyright © 2026 KJZZ/Rio Salado College/MCCCD
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Polarization And Popularity: How Being Controversial Can Have (Short-Term) Benefits

"Popular: The Power of Likability in a Status-Obsessed World"
(Photo via amazon.com)
"Popular: The Power of Likability in a Status-Obsessed World" by Mitch Prinstein

There’s always one, right? You know, that person, who’s kind of a jerk, and probably doesn’t care about it?

Well, as it turns out, that person may be on to something, at least in the short term — is polarizing the new popular?

Mitch Prinstein is a professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of North Carolina and author of the book "Popular: The Power of Likability in a Status-Obsessed World."

Tags
Mark Brodie is a co-host of The Show, KJZZ’s locally produced news magazine. Since starting at KJZZ in 2002, Brodie has been a host, reporter and producer, including several years covering the Arizona Legislature, based at the Capitol.