Understanding , and Media

I. Understanding our own : 1. Hearing only what we want to hear. People are biased towards information that reinforces or confirms our preconceived notions. We ignore information that challenges them.

2. Backfire Effect When our deepest convictions are challenged by contradictory evidence, sometimes we revolt, and our beliefs get stronger. It’s an act of defiance.

3. Bandwagon Effect People do things because they see others doing them, despite their own beliefs and convictions. Commonly seen in politics, sports and consumerism. This is where we get the idea of people behaving like sheep (sheeple). We all begin to move in the same direction, simply because others are doing it.

4. “I will always believe my leaders and will ignore information that challenges them.”

5. We believe things we hear repeatedly, regardless of how true they are. This is why politicians have talking points. Just get it out there over and over again.

6. Social Identity A person’s sense of who they are is based on their group.

7. Expertise Hostility People have grown hostile to expertise. We see this in the loss of trust in institutions, the exaltation of opinion instead over fact, alternative information sources, the mythology of the blue collar worker, etc., have contributed to this. Consider all the polls that ask how “relatable” political candidates are. People will sometimes say, “he seems like the kinda guy I could have a beer with.” We ​ ​ have grown hostile towards people who know more than us.

8. Illusory Superiority Occurs when a person overestimates their own qualities, ideas and abilities in relation to the same qualities, ideas and abilities of other people. It's the illusion that we are superior to others, have better resources, have figured out the “deep state conspiracy,” etc. Often demonstrated in dismissive reactions to opposing views.

II. Understanding :

Fake news used to be literal “.” It was click bait that would lead viewers to a website that had other content on it. These days, fake news often refers to news we disagree with.

Questions to ask about any the “truthiness” of any news:

1. Who wrote the article? If there’s no one accountable for writing it, that’s a warning sign.

2. Who published it? Is the publisher reputable? Known? What else do they publish?

3. Does the publication have an editorial review board? If there is no editorial review board, that may be a sign that this publication doesn't take truth and accountability seriously.

4. How’s the grammar and spelling? ​ ​ Misspelled words and poor use of language could mean a lack of oversight.

5. What’s the date of publication? If there’s no date, it could be fake. It could also be recycled news intended to get people angry.

6. Does the article or story cite sources? No sources is no bueno. “Experts say” or “some people are saying” is not a ​ ​ ​ ​ source. With exceptions, anonymous sources are usually kept anonymous in an effort to prevent retaliation.

Potentially helpful resources https://www.inverse.com/culture/how-to-talk-to-conspiracy-theorists