Internet Information: Navigating Truth in a Sea of Manipulation
The empowering aspect of learning to evaluate information properly
Internet research is not scientific research. For many, those professing to be investigator or self appointed expert is similar one playing a player piano proclaiming they are a concert pianist.
The past 3 months, I’ve illustrated how legitimate, motivational techniques and/or sales techniques can be used by those with less integrity to manipulate.
Review Series on Sales Techniques and/or How to recognize manipulation.
Please remember, these same techniques are easily implemented online. With the sad reality that there are many “deep fakes” and “bogus information” slapped online merely for click bait.
Please use caution when evaluating information found online. Most online algorithms start feeding you more and more information based on your clicks. Regardless if the clicks are authentic and truthful.1
Facts Spewed Online
When you encounter “facts” on the net, please check if they provide sources. Then, please check those sources. Dive deeper, check those sources. Do not simply read the summary at the top of an article, check the facts and the studies that back up the hypothesis and theory. Then, ask yourself, “Does this follow the Scientific Method?”
Before you get all worried about petree dishes and microscopes, please remember the term “Scientific Method” is simply a way of verifying information and sources. Here is a beginners guide to help review the steps:
If you enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles, or doing cross-word puzzles, this will be a snap. When I’m learning new things, I like to remind myself how fun it is to learn. How curious children are—and how wonderful curiosity is in our development. Have fun with it. Look at the statements. Question if the statement uses dramatic and emotional key words.
If you really get motivated about sleuthing out nonesense, check out the article I wrote last summer entitled, “Beware of Self-Appointed Experts: who anointed them anyway?” | Self-labeled “researchers” and “investigators”
Have fun! Don’t be afraid, this can be fun, plus it’s really important for our entire society to have a “well educated” one.
Well educated before taking it as fact! Amen!