False Idols category archive
Originalist Sin 0
Noz has a notion, elegant in its simplicity, for calling out the orginalists’ duplicity.
Because it’s crystal clear that they are originalists of convenience. Originalism will go out the window if it doesn’t fit with what they want to do.
“Facts Are What People Think” 0
Hal MacDonald, writing at Psychology Today Blogs, explores why persons refuse to accept proven facts. He opens his article with a conversation he overheard at the barbershop:
When the man to whom he was speaking politely but skeptically asked where he had stumbled upon that particular explanation, the proponent of the venom theory of COVID was completely unfazed. “It’s a scientific fact,” he said. “A well-known chiropractor has done a ton of research on the subject.”
Follow the link for his thoughts about why some persons are susceptible to such claptrap and what can be done about it.
Dis Coarse Discourse 0
At Psychology Today Blogs, Anthony Silard discusses the deletorious effects of “social” media. He note three negative effects; follow the link for a detailed discussion of each.
- As it erodes empathy, social media has become dangerous to a healthy society.
- The empathy levels of American college students have dropped 40 percent, which some researchers attribute to the rise of social media.
- We are now living with an unprecedented level of polarization.
This is Part Two of a two-part series. Read Part One.
Remember, “social” media isn’t.
Red Flag 0
One of the warning signs of disinformation just around the corner on the Disinformation Syperhighway is statements that begin with
Suffer the Children 0
. . . and again we are reminded that that phrase is not scripture, but, rather, Republican policy.
The Crypto-Con 0
Two professors from the University of South Florida explain that (no surprises here) it’s bubblelicious.
Follow the link for their reasoning.
Theocracy, Reprise 0
Methinks Michael in Norfolk identifies the original sin.
Twits Own Twitter 0
Jason S. Sexton is skeptical that Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter will have beneficent effects. He remarks that
Follow the link for his reasoning.
Penalty Call 0
At the Austin American-Statesman, John Young throws the flag.
The Quisling 0
Aside:
I don’t know the word “Soviet” is appropriate. Methinks Vladimir Putin is looking farther into Russia’s past for his inspiration. But that’s just me.
The Disinformation Superhighway, Cauldron of Conspiracies Dept. 0
Thom talks with Kelly Weill about why persons fall for conspiracy theories.
An Exercise in Futility 0
Robert K. Vischer imagines that one can speak rationally to those who have abandoned rationality.
About That Algorithm 0
At Psychology Today Blogs, Nir Eyal explains why persons stay buried in their phones, even as they step off the curb in front of passing cars, or, indeed, drive one of said passing cars. He identities four factors designed into “social” media and messaging applications to keep you “engaged.”
Here’s the summary (emphasis added):
- People have become attached to their devices because devices facilitate social connection and because they’re engineered to capture attention.
- Products that lead to habit formation often involve four steps: a trigger, an action, variable rewards, and investment.
- Understanding how people interact with their devices can lead to better iterations of technological products in the future.
Follow the link for a detailed discussion of how “social” media sucks you in.
