Who Is Susceptible To Misinformation?

There are very skilled, well-financed groups attempting to spread misinformation across the world. Who is likely to be duped?

It can be very frustrating when someone you disagree with ignores logic and common sense. How can they believe something that is so obviously incorrect? They clearly are being fed a steady diet of misinformation, from politicians, news outlets, social media feeds, and so on. But why can’t they see it?

Of course, it is very likely they, or someone else who disagrees with you, is thinking the exact same thing. How is it possible, they ask, that you don’t see you are being lied to? They believe your social media feed is full of misinformation. The politicians you vote for deliberately tell lie after lie. News sources you follow are biased and don’t tell the whole story.

Surely both sides can’t be right. One side must be telling the truth, and the other is sadly deluded. And, of course, your side is the correct one. Theirs is the one filled with misinformation.

Need proof? Just look at the video clip of someone interviewing them, exposing how ignorant they are. It is sad they don’t see what has happened to them.

But again, those video clips exist on both sides of the political spectrum.

How can you be sure that your side is the correct one? What if it isn’t? What if the people spreading misinformation are not targeting just one side of the political aisle, but instead look to destabilize the entire system, left and right alike?

You probably believe the other side should be more skeptical of the information they are exposed to. But how skeptical are you?

Related questions: What is truth? How do you know who to trust? What beliefs do you have that might be wrong?

Misinformation Or Disinformation?

Misinformation is the term used when someone gets the facts wrong. Disinformation is purposefully misleading in order to manipulate. Which do you think is more common in our society?

Share why if you wish.

Misinformation Or Disinformation?

What The Hell?

What the hell?

It feels like our country has shifted into the bizarro world. Whether it’s rules, social norms, or politics, what was once accepted is now rejected, and what was previously dismissed is now embraced. Ideas we believed a generation, a decade, or even a year ago now seem outdated or have been completely overturned. What the hell?

For example, overt lying is now common in politics, and most of the public accepts it. In fact, spreading lies is widespread. However, not long ago, when those lies were exposed, a politician’s approval ratings would drop—unless, of course, they soon showed genuine remorse.

Or, whatever happened to treating people with respect, kindness, and a little grace? We live in an era where friendships are ending because everything has become political, and disagreements turn into hatred. Family members don’t talk to each other or even disown one another over political differences. And some politicians label their opponents as evil or even compare them to subhuman creatures — for example, our president often calls opponents animals or vermin. When and why have we let so much harshness into our private and public lives?

Lastly, social media isn’t bringing us together, even though we can connect with people across the globe. Instead, our feeds are filled with rumors, lies, and bullying, which turn people away from forming new relationships—unless, of course, the people we meet share our beliefs.

We’re confused, angry, overwhelmed — and worst of all, numb. When everything feels upside down, it’s hard to know where to turn or whom to trust. So many have checked out, opting for apathy instead of action, because what good does caring do anymore? Every day brings a new contradiction, a new reason to shout, yet we stay silent. Or worse, we laugh it off. Cynicism has replaced hope. We’ve started accepting the absurd as normal because fighting it seems pointless. But shouldn’t we fight? Shouldn’t we care? Shouldn’t we be trying to find ways to rebuild community?

What’s going on? What the hell?

Related questions: Why do we put up with unhappiness? What is truth? Where is society failing? How do you deal with uncertainty?

Truth Or Beauty?

Many individuals have pondered the ideas of truth and beauty, and some have even gone so far as to suggest that they are the same. What do you think?

Share why if you wish.

Truth Or Beauty?

What Is Your Favorite Documentary?

There is a long, storied history of the documentary film. Of the ones that you have seen, does one stand out as your favorite?

Share why if you wish.