Fostering critical thinking when reading media and listening to public opinion is helpful for people for assessing topics of interest. Just about every topic has many different opinions. Solving complex problems requires understanding multiple counter key points, evaluating their merits, and setting a course. Sometimes it is best to just continue to evaluate before coming to a personal conclusion. It is ok not to know the answer and often that is a sign of intelligence.
[Some people may know all the answers but when you probe them a little you find out these are not their opinions but the opinions of others.]
I found this article a little interesting.Gallup: Americans' Trust in Media Remains at Trend Low.
When we flip through and browse social media we will notice that certain channels and outlets have a definite political perspective they are advocating. Different media outlets have different political viewpoints that attract specific demographics. We might select them because we like what they say (be careful of the illusions of your own bias).
The risk to covering one perspective and not giving balance to another is that the ultimate purpose of public awareness and social discussion is not a full one. Some ideas are not discussed even though they may have merit for solutions. Media can foster social discussion on the topics of the day.
To solve complex problems I think one must be able to first see the opportunities and then evaluate them. Just like you wouldn't trust the opinion of a friend who comes to the same conclusion everytime no matter what the factors, one wouldn't want to get all of their information from one source.
The study below helps think about how when we really want and believe something we move down a logical and emotional chain that creates an illusion. The more alternative factors are ignored, the greater the illusion.
The illusion of argument justification
When I reflect on this quote I think the importance of a free press and the responsibility to cover topics openly, balance and fairly in order to truly create knowledge in the public so they can make their own decisions as informed citizens of a republic.
When we flip through and browse social media we will notice that certain channels and outlets have a definite political perspective they are advocating. Different media outlets have different political viewpoints that attract specific demographics. We might select them because we like what they say (be careful of the illusions of your own bias).
The risk to covering one perspective and not giving balance to another is that the ultimate purpose of public awareness and social discussion is not a full one. Some ideas are not discussed even though they may have merit for solutions. Media can foster social discussion on the topics of the day.
To solve complex problems I think one must be able to first see the opportunities and then evaluate them. Just like you wouldn't trust the opinion of a friend who comes to the same conclusion everytime no matter what the factors, one wouldn't want to get all of their information from one source.
The study below helps think about how when we really want and believe something we move down a logical and emotional chain that creates an illusion. The more alternative factors are ignored, the greater the illusion.
The illusion of argument justification
When I reflect on this quote I think the importance of a free press and the responsibility to cover topics openly, balance and fairly in order to truly create knowledge in the public so they can make their own decisions as informed citizens of a republic.
“The liberty of the press is essential to the security of freedom.” John Adams
Fisher M, Keil FC. The illusion of argument justification. J Exp Psychol Gen. 2014 Feb;143(1):425-33. doi: 10.1037/a0032234. Epub 2013 Mar 18. PMID: 23506085; PMCID: PMC3735824.
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