MIchael Noetel, Author at Startup Daily

MIchael Noetel

Michael is an academic, sport and performance psychologist, and effective altruist. I create effective, scalable educational programs. That content is designed to help people make better decisions, become more empathic, more active, and more effective in their work (esp. their research).

AI/Machine Learning

Two new books argue AI is an existential threat to human control

MIchael Noetel - November 12, 2025 9 MIN READ

For 16 hours last July, Elon Musk’s company lost control of its multi-million-dollar chatbot, Grok. “Maximally truth seeking” Grok was praising Hitler, denying the Holocaust and posting sexually explicit content. An xAI engineer had left Grok with an old set of instructions, never meant for public use. They were prompts telling Grok to “not shy… Read more »

Life hacks

Science says exercise, including yoga, can help tackle depression

MIchael Noetel - February 20, 2024 3 MIN READ

At least one in ten people have depression at some point in their lives, with some estimates closer to one in four. It’s one of the worst things for someone’s wellbeing – worse than debt, divorce or diabetes. One in seven Australians take antidepressants. Psychologists are in high demand. Still, only half of people with… Read more »