I love the notion that a person will look at some nuanced ethical quandary, be shown its existence is legal, and then just shrug their shoulders and say “I guess I have to support this because it’s legal.” As if legality isn’t the lowest, least moral bar to measure something on.
The Trump crazy train thread seems like as good a place as any to dump this. I asked ChatGPT to outline the general psychological underpinnings of a the conspiracy theorist mindset. Pretty interesting: The psychology behind conspiracy theories is multifaceted, influenced by a combination of cognitive, social, and emotional factors. Here are some key elements that contribute to the appeal and persistence of conspiracy theories: ### 1. **Need for Certainty and Understanding:** - **Cognitive Biases:** Humans have a natural tendency to seek patterns and make sense of complex, ambiguous events. Conspiracy theories offer simple, often compelling explanations for events that might otherwise seem random or confusing. This cognitive bias is known as **apophenia**—the tendency to perceive connections or patterns where none exist. - **Desire for Control:** People feel more in control when they believe they understand the causes of significant events. Conspiracy theories can provide a sense of agency in a world that often feels chaotic. ### 2. **Social Identity and Belonging:** - **Ingroup vs. Outgroup Dynamics:** Conspiracy theories often create a clear divide between "us" (those who know the truth) and "them" (those who are deceived or responsible). This dynamic strengthens group identity and fosters a sense of belonging among believers. - **Distrust in Authority:** Many conspiracy theories arise from or reinforce a deep-seated distrust of authority figures or institutions. This distrust can be fueled by past experiences, social influences, or media consumption, making alternative explanations more attractive. ### 3. **Emotional and Psychological Needs:** - **Coping Mechanism:** In the face of traumatic or destabilizing events, conspiracy theories can serve as a coping mechanism by providing explanations that, while not necessarily true, are emotionally satisfying. They help to manage fear, anxiety, and powerlessness. - **Need for Uniqueness:** Some individuals are drawn to conspiracy theories because they offer a sense of being "in the know" or possessing special knowledge that others do not, fulfilling a desire for uniqueness. ### 4. **Confirmation Bias and Echo Chambers:** - **Selective Information Processing:** People tend to seek out information that confirms their preexisting beliefs and ignore or dismiss evidence that contradicts them. This is known as **confirmation bias.** - **Echo Chambers:** Social media and certain online communities can reinforce conspiracy theories by creating environments where like-minded individuals share and validate each other's beliefs without challenge, intensifying the conviction in the theory. ### 5. **Mistrust of Official Narratives:** - **Historical Precedents:** Past events where authorities have been caught lying or covering up the truth (e.g., Watergate, MKUltra) can fuel skepticism and make conspiracy theories more plausible to some. - **Complex World Events:** In an increasingly interconnected and complex world, official explanations might seem inadequate or overly simplistic, leading some to turn to conspiracy theories for more elaborate explanations. ### 6. **Personality Traits:** - **Paranoia and Suspicion:** Some people have a higher predisposition toward paranoia, which makes them more likely to believe that others are plotting against them or that malevolent forces are at work. - **Low Agreeableness and High Openness:** Certain personality traits, like low agreeableness (skepticism, antagonism) and high openness to experience (curiosity, willingness to entertain unconventional ideas), are associated with a greater likelihood of endorsing conspiracy theories. ### 7. **Cultural and Societal Influences:** - **Cultural Narratives:** Certain cultures may have a historical or cultural predisposition toward conspiracy thinking, often based on a long history of secrecy or deception by ruling powers. - **Media Influence:** Sensationalist media can amplify conspiracy theories, making them more widespread and influential, particularly in times of crisis or uncertainty. In summary, conspiracy theories are often a psychological response to uncertainty, fear, and the human need for understanding, control, and belonging. They are sustained by cognitive biases, social dynamics, and emotional needs, making them resilient even in the face of contradictory evidence.
Wow. Eye opening to how many of these fit some posters here…. On both sides of the political spectrum
Bothsiderism is a phenomenon in media and discourse where issues are presented as having two equally valid sides, even when one side may be factually incorrect, morally questionable, or lacking in evidence. The psychological underpinnings of bothsiderism can be explored through several cognitive and social psychological concepts: 1. Cognitive Dissonance Description: Cognitive dissonance occurs when individuals experience discomfort from holding two contradictory beliefs or ideas. Bothsiderism can emerge as a way to reduce dissonance by giving equal weight to opposing viewpoints, thus avoiding the discomfort of choosing sides or acknowledging bias. Example: A journalist might present two sides of a climate change debate equally, even when one side is supported by overwhelming scientific evidence, to avoid the dissonance that comes with appearing biased. 2. Confirmation Bias Description: Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms one's preconceptions. Bothsiderism can be a manifestation of this bias, as it allows individuals to seek out information that supports a belief in neutrality or objectivity. Example: Media consumers may prefer outlets that engage in bothsiderism because it confirms their belief that both sides of an issue are equally valid. 3. Social Identity Theory Description: Social identity theory posits that individuals derive a sense of self from their group memberships. Bothsiderism can be a strategy for maintaining social harmony and avoiding conflict within or between groups by not taking a definitive stand. Example: A person might engage in bothsiderism when discussing a politically charged issue to avoid alienating friends or colleagues from different political backgrounds. 4. Moral Equivalence Description: Moral equivalence is a form of faulty reasoning where two opposing actions or ideas are presented as being morally similar when they are not. Bothsiderism often relies on moral equivalence to create a false balance between two sides of an argument. Example: Equating the actions of peaceful protesters with those of violent extremists in media coverage can create a false moral equivalence. 5. The "Golden Mean" Fallacy Description: The golden mean fallacy is the belief that the truth lies somewhere in the middle of two opposing viewpoints. Bothsiderism can be driven by this fallacy, as it assumes that moderation or compromise between two sides is inherently correct. Example: In debates about public health, bothsiderism might lead to the false conclusion that the optimal approach is a compromise between evidence-based practices and unscientific beliefs. 6. Pluralistic Ignorance Description: Pluralistic ignorance occurs when individuals mistakenly believe that their private views are different from those of the majority. Bothsiderism can stem from a desire to conform to a perceived norm of neutrality, even when the majority may actually hold a clear stance. Example: Journalists may engage in bothsiderism because they believe their audience expects balanced coverage, even if most of the audience actually prefers fact-based reporting. 7. Fear of Reprisal or Criticism Description: Bothsiderism can be a defense mechanism against potential backlash, criticism, or accusations of bias. By presenting both sides equally, individuals or media outlets can protect themselves from claims of favoritism or partisanship. Example: A news outlet might give equal time to a scientifically unfounded view in a health debate to avoid criticism from its viewers who hold that view. 8. False Consensus Effect Description: The false consensus effect is the tendency to overestimate the extent to which others share one's beliefs or behaviors. Bothsiderism can be influenced by the assumption that there is more widespread agreement on the validity of both sides than actually exists. Example: A person might assume that because they see merit in both sides of an argument, most people do as well, leading them to advocate for bothsiderism. Conclusion Bothsiderism is a complex phenomenon rooted in various psychological processes, including cognitive dissonance, confirmation bias, and social identity concerns. It often arises from a desire to appear fair, objective, or neutral, but it can lead to distorted perceptions of reality and the false equivalence of ideas that do not deserve equal consideration. Understanding these psychological underpinnings can help in recognizing and addressing bothsiderism in media and discourse.
I too went to ChatGPT! Dogs are often considered great for a variety of reasons: Loyalty and Companionship: Dogs are known for their unwavering loyalty. They form strong bonds with their owners and often provide a sense of companionship that is hard to match. Emotional Support: Dogs have an incredible ability to sense and respond to human emotions. They can provide comfort and support during tough times, often without needing words. Physical Activity: Having a dog encourages physical activity. Regular walks, playtime, and outdoor adventures keep both dogs and their owners active and healthy. Unconditional Love: Dogs offer a kind of unconditional love that can be deeply fulfilling. They don’t judge or hold grudges and are always ready to give affection. Social Interaction: Owning a dog often leads to increased social interactions. Whether it’s meeting other dog owners at the park or striking up conversations with neighbors, dogs can be great social catalysts. Protection and Security: Many dogs are naturally protective of their families and homes. They can act as deterrents to potential intruders and offer a sense of security. Therapeutic Benefits: Interacting with dogs has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve overall mood. They can be great therapy animals and are used in various therapeutic settings. Entertainment: Dogs are often playful and can be a source of endless entertainment. Their antics, personality quirks, and playful behavior bring joy and laughter to many households. Training and Tasks: Dogs can be trained to perform a variety of tasks, from helping people with disabilities to working as search and rescue animals. Their versatility makes them invaluable in many roles. Sense of Purpose: Caring for a dog can provide a sense of purpose and routine. The responsibilities of dog ownership—feeding, grooming, training—can contribute positively to one’s life structure.
Dogs, beloved as pets and companions, can have various unintended negative impacts on the environment, ecosystems, and even public health. Here are some of the key areas where dogs may cause harm: 1. Impact on Wildlife Predation: Domestic dogs, especially when not properly managed, can prey on wildlife, including birds, small mammals, and reptiles. This predation can threaten endangered species and disrupt local ecosystems. Disturbance: Dogs can disturb wildlife through barking, chasing, and the mere presence of a predator. This can lead to stress in wild animals, disrupting their natural behaviors, such as feeding and breeding. 2. Ecological Impact Fecal Contamination: Dog waste, if not properly disposed of, can contaminate soil and water bodies with harmful pathogens, such as E. coli and parasites. This can impact water quality, leading to issues like algae blooms and harm to aquatic life. Nutrient Imbalance: The high nitrogen content in dog feces and urine can alter the nutrient balance in soils, leading to changes in plant communities. This can reduce biodiversity and negatively affect native vegetation. 3. Invasive Species Introduced Pathogens: Dogs can carry and transmit diseases to wildlife, domestic animals, and even humans. Diseases like rabies, canine distemper, and parvovirus can spread from dogs to other animals, sometimes with devastating effects on local wildlife populations. Invasive Behavior: In some regions, feral or stray dogs become invasive species themselves, competing with native predators and scavengers, which can lead to declines in native species. 4. Public Health Risks Zoonotic Diseases: Dogs can transmit zoonotic diseases (diseases that can be passed from animals to humans), such as rabies, leptospirosis, and toxocariasis. These diseases can pose serious public health risks, especially in areas with high dog populations and poor veterinary care. Bites and Injuries: Dog bites and attacks are a significant public health issue, leading to injuries and, in some cases, fatalities. This is particularly concerning in regions where dogs are not properly trained or controlled. 5. Environmental Footprint Carbon Footprint: The production and transportation of dog food, as well as the care and management of dogs, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. The meat-heavy diets of many dogs have a particularly high environmental impact compared to more plant-based diets. Resource Use: Dogs, especially in large numbers, require significant resources, including water, food, and space. This can strain local resources, particularly in areas where water and food are scarce. 6. Human-Wildlife Conflict Predation on Livestock: In rural and agricultural areas, stray or feral dogs can prey on livestock, leading to economic losses for farmers and herders. This can also exacerbate conflicts between humans and wildlife, as dogs may chase or kill wildlife as well. Habitat Encroachment: The presence of dogs in natural areas, particularly protected or sensitive habitats, can lead to habitat degradation and increased human-wildlife conflict, as dogs may chase or harass wild animals. 7. Stray Dog Populations Urban Issues: In many parts of the world, large populations of stray dogs can lead to various urban problems, including the spread of disease, noise pollution from barking, and traffic accidents caused by roaming dogs. Population Control Challenges: Managing stray dog populations is often challenging and resource-intensive. Without proper control measures, these populations can grow rapidly, exacerbating many of the issues listed above. Conclusion While dogs are cherished companions, their environmental and ecological impacts, particularly when not properly managed, can be significant. Addressing these issues requires responsible pet ownership, effective wildlife conservation strategies, and public health initiatives to mitigate the negative impacts dogs can have on the world.
Trump promoted post from N-word-spewing account that claims “Hitler was right” and the Holocaust “never happened” https://www.mediamatters.org/antise...t-claims-hitler-was-right-and-holocaust-never
You don’t think before you post do you? The artist don’t want to have anything to do with your orange man…. It’s embarrassing that you took the time to post this. Please respond…… I’d love to see your reply.
