Back to: TIP Block 1: Foundations
We need to be mindful, that the information we absorb and trust, and the information we share, are factual and true. The problem with misinformation isn’t so much a matter of “it’s wrong”. But more because they can easily harm people. If it’s simple rumor created, or assumptions made, you risk harming that person and folks close to them. But in the larger field, misinformation creates large followings that inhibit, harm, or even kill people.
These are the conspiracy theories or counter-science movements that we picture with tinfoil hats, or maybe raging suburban “Karen” moms picketing in front of government buildings demanding hair cuts. But some of these have gotten such a foothold and gone viral, that people have undeniably died from them. These groups become echo chambers, parroting back to each other the same misinformation, reaffirming it in their minds, and “excommunicating” anyone who disagrees with them (even when they bring in peer-reviewed scientific facts)
So, I’d like to give you some options here. There are quite a few historical and modern examples of when misinformation has gone rampant. I’d like you to pick one to dig into and reflect on. I will give several options, but if you have one you’re passionate about, please run it by me and I’ll take a look at it.
- Anti-vaccine movement – the idea that vaccines cause autism, and they are detrimental to your health
- Thoughts to ponder: where did this idea come from? what are the arguments vs the true facts? What are some of thinking fallacies that go into movements like this? What are the dangers to comminutes as more and more people get onboard?
- Resources to consider: Read the comic linked from here
- Alpha Theory – A study of wolves where researcher Dave Mech came to the theory that an alpha wolf is one who had dominated the rest of the wolf pack, and so leads them
- Thoughts to ponder: how did it come about. What are the true facts that have debunked the theory. How it is damaging, both to humans, and our canine counterparts.
- Flat Earth Society – The earth is not actually round, but flat.
- Thoughts to ponder: why did this come about? what do they claim? what kind of research and tests have they done to prove it?
- Multi-level Marketing – the legal pyramid scheme. Companies like Avon, Lularoe, LegalShield, THRIVE, Monet, Scentsy, Younique, Herbalife,….There’s just so many!
- Take a look at the predatory tactics they use to suck in unsuspecting people. There’s laws where they have to state how much their ’employees’ make, take a look at a few. Find the average and not the dream scale. Why do people stay in these? Often ignoring advice and factual evidence. What kind of harm do these companies do?
- Resources to consider: iilluminaughtii looks at specific companies and has a wonderful video that covers MLMs in general
- Life Hack/DIY videos – YouTube channels like 5 Minute Crafts show people making something or showing a life hack. They range between silly, to inaccurate, and sometimes into dangerous.
- What is the thought process behind these. Why do they make them?
- Resources to consider: If you’re looking for lighter subjects, take a look at the cooking and clothing videos (I’d recommend looking at debunking videos like this one from How to Cook That, or this soap one by Royalty Soaps)
- If you want to see the heavy dangers these can get to, How to Cook That covers the wood fractal burning craft. Trigger Warning! Death. She explains how it is dangerous and what it can do to a human body. Debunking DEADLIEST craft hack
- COVID – During the COVID pandemic, there were many deniers and many folks who refused to wear masks despite scientific evidence.
- Consider how these folks felt, how they came to these kinds of conclusions. what kind of dangers did they put themselves and others in?
- “Doodle” craze – People spend thousands of dollars for what breeders call “designer dogs”. they’ll cross something with poodle (Labradoodle is lab/poodle and Goldendoodle is golden retriever/poodle). I’ve seen them go for $1000-$5,000.
- Things to consider: Take a look at why these came about in the first place, and how the creator feels about it. What kind of impact does the breeding of these dogs have on veterinarians, groomers, trainers, and the dog population in shelters and homes. What are the common reasons to get a “doodle”, and is that information accurate? What does an ethical breeder do differently than unethical ones?
I know this is a lot of information to look at, and it’s really the first time I’m cutting you lose on the internet. Remember the last few lessons on credible websites and critical thinking! Reading less-than-credible website compared to credible ones are great ways to sort through this. Remember! You only have to cover one but you’re welcome to do more!
Please add your answers to your TIP Journal located in the forums, and don’t forget to cite any material you used in your lesson!