Internet addiction

[unsunghero]

Originally Posted by pink grapefruit [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

This was the most interesting post in the thread for me, and IÂ’ll explain why without even using chatgpt :P

First, one of the supposed benefits of public discourse is to come to a general consensus about various issues. Which is kind of the basis of political parties- that they have collectively determined how to feel about the issues of today. And while it’s probably true that there are great ideas from most political parties, it’s a logical fallacy to assume a person has a “better” perspective on the issues if they sometimes go against the general consensus of their political party. This is called the “appeal to novelty” logical fallacy, and it’s something I always remember due to Jordan Peterson using this fallacy in his interview with some self-identified feminist. He suggested that she had worse ideas because she agreed with every other feminist about everything, which she then defensively denied.

Second:



YouÂ’re maybe more enlightened than most here, because instead of deluding yourself into believing youÂ’re not susceptible to confirmation bias you willfully embrace it. Confirmation bias is of course the tendency for people to seek out information that confirms their previously-held beliefs, and by firmly deciding that your beliefs will not be swayed by new information you make it clear that your goal is confirmation bias. Which is so wild to me lmao

Now, group polarization. This is the concept within social psychology that explains how when a group of like-minded people come together, they actually come to hold more extreme beliefs as they discuss their beliefs with one another. It has been studied extensively, and itÂ’s a good thing to try to be aware of as youÂ’re interacting with like-minded individuals. It absolutely is something that happens in these online forums.

And the fourth concept I want to touch on here is the concept of attitude polarization, which is a shift in attitude to more extreme beliefs due to confirmation bias. It has been shown that being subjected to opinions that go against our previously-held beliefs can sometimes just further entrench us in our opposition to these differing ideas, and attitude polarization can be a result of this. One mitigating factor can be the *quality* of discourse taking place; meaning something like academic standards being applied to the practice. Of course academics are just as susceptible to these social-psychological quirks of humanity, so there is no 100% sure way to avoid them.

This is part of why participating in this sort of public discourse can be harmful, or at least push a person into holding extreme views. You may feel it is improving your vocabulary and keeping your mind active, and maybe it is. But thatÂ’s not all itÂ’s doing.

A couple years ago I had a lot of fun talking fitness with you, but more recently IÂ’ve found that more than anything you are hateful. My own biases are ofc at play here, but I do think youÂ’ve radicalized yourself to some extent by talking politics so much in these online spaces. As so many of us have, maybe myself included.

Thanks for making such a perfect post for me to consider <3

I think the chance of someone being manipulated (based on their own gullibility) or bullied into agreeing with everything their political party does, especially considering the tactics used in this political climate, are far greater than it just being a coincidence that they happen to agree with everything

But I can’t jump into anyone’s heads. Agree to disagree