<
https://www.techdirt.com/2023/06/27/the-latest-dangerous-conspiracy-theory-that-conspiracy-theory-research-is-part-of-a-big-conspiracy/>
"Let’s start off with this point, which some seem to ignore when I talk about
this stuff: I think many of the “concerns” about disinformation are totally
overblown. People act as if disinformation has a sort of bizarre mind-control
over other people (never themselves) to the point that they act as if
disinformation itself is some sort of toxic sludge that must be locked up in
underground bunkers, lest it seep out and infect the populace, turning them
into zombies.
The reality tends to be a bit more mundane. It is not that disinformation has
no impact, but, generally speaking, the impact of certain kinds of alarmist
information works as a form of confirmation bias, often filling in gaps where
the public is not well informed, or often treated badly. US healthcare, for
example, is a confusing, complex mess, and large pharmaceutical companies have
a history of legitimately nefarious behavior in pursuit of greater profits. So,
it’s easy to see how people immediately jump to false conclusions regarding
vaccines.
But, again, it tends to be a form of confirmation bias, in which people, who
are seeking answers to what legitimately seems confusing and unclear (thanks to
a variety of other factors), are quick to latch onto complete nonsense over
facts, because it fits with their priors about what they believe (sometimes
based on good reasons) and gives them an explanation for something that was
confusing.
As tempting as it often is (and yes, it’s very tempting) to simply bash those
who fall for nonsense conspiracy theories as being ignorant or gullible, I’m
concerned that’s often counterproductive. I have less concern about calling out
the nonsense peddlers who know what they’re spewing is false, and who do it for
clout or for profit."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
