We are susceptible to misinformation, disinformation, and propaganda
We are susceptible to misinformation, disinformation, and propaganda that aligns with out beliefs. In general, our working assumption is that our beliefs are true. Very few of us believe that our beliefs are false. We see this in religious beliefs, political beliefs, parenting beliefs, beliefs we adhere to at work, etc. In general, our natural inclination is to protect the beliefs we hold from information that conflicts with our beliefs, even when that information is true. Information that conflicts with our beliefs is generally flagged and rejected, making it readily noticeable. In general, this same tendency makes us vulnerable to information that aligns with our beliefs. We tend to accept it without question, even when it’s false. The potential solution is to superimpose critical thinking skills on our natural tendencies. However, we don’t come into the world with natural critical thinking skills. Critical thinking skills are learned and require effort. ...