“But It’s the Only Possible Explanation” 0
At Psychology Today Blogs, Sam Goldstein explores how evolution has predisposed us to be susceptible to conspiracy theories. Given the current state of dis coarse discourse, methinks it a timely and worthwhile read. Here’s a tiny bit:
This creates fertile ground for pseudoscience and conspiracy theories. Considering the role of the “illusion of causality,” where people perceive non-existent causal links, especially in areas like alternative medicine and superstition, is critical (Blanco & Matute, 2018). These illusions persist because they exploit our evolved cognitive tendencies.
The rise of social media further worsens this problem.
Devolution 0
We seem to be going from a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, to a governemt of the Donald, by the Donald, and for the Donald.
Republican Family Values 0
The editorial board of the Bangor Daily News is–er–somewhat taken aback by Trump maladministration’s and today’s Republican Party’s embrace of mean for the sake of mean.
Extra-Special Bonus QOTD 0
James Noble, in the voice of Governor Eugene Xavier Gatling:
The trouble with maps is, unless you know where you are, you can’t figure out where you’re going.
Since GPS, that’s really not an issue for most of us, at least if we have a cell phone signal, but methinks it applies to politics.
We’ve got far too many persons who don’t realize where we are, let along where we’re headed.
Vaccine Nation 0
Measles is back. A snippet (emphasis added):
At least 1,277 confirmed cases have been identified in 38 states and Washington, D.C. Around 155 people have required hospitalization, with three individuals — two otherwise healthy children and one adult, all unvaccinated — having died so far.
(snip)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 92 percent of those who have contracted measles were unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status.
We need a vaccine against stupid.
Still Rising Again after All These Years 0
The spirit of George Wallace lives on in today’s Republican Party.
Election Defiers 0
Thom talks with Jocelyn Benson, Secretary of State for Michigan, about what it was like when armed Trump supporters turned up at her house because Trump lost the 2020 election and about what may motivate such extremism.
Hmmmm. Seems Sort of Familiar. 0
Does this remind you of anyone in the news?
“An Armed Society Is a Polite Society’ 0
More politeness on the pavement.
Yessiree Bob, selling all them guns sure does make persons more polite, don’t it.
(Shhhhh. We won’t talk about the ROI for the Mongers of Death.)
The Climates They Are a-Changing 0
And pretending oherwise won’t make it go away.
Artificial? Yes. Intelligent? Not So Much. 0
Susceptible to suggestion? We’ll find out.
Security expert Bruce Schneier reports that “(a)cademic papers were found to contain hidden instructions to LLMs.”
One example he provides is an implanted instruction for “no negative reviews.” Follow the link for more examples and a link to the original study.