I think, I’m right.
We began to lose our critical sight for a while ago and whatever we see and hear is conceded as an absolute truth, even some of us reckon Trump is the best president ever, for example. But why we become like that? We haven’t been sparing much time on inquiring an article, nor even reading it utterly. Have we became jaded?
It’s frankly about the usage patterns of media environment. There is no mass media, no longer; we have seized the chance of creating our media environment which is designed for ourselves and by ourselves. This makes impossible to reach different ideas or opinions, if you are not a person who is likely inquire in-depth everything he/she sees on the media.
Therefore, the era we pass through, post-truth, also a thing we’d created like the echo-chambers: a homo-faber. That shows, we’re moaning for the algorithms that do not reflect anything, but our intrinsic way of seeing things.
If I sound jumpy, it’s because I’m trying not to bothering you with all philosophical and academic landmarks. However, what I’m saying is we should consider our way of using media; there is always someone who wants to manipulate us. Though is really manipulation hazardous as much as we think? Let’s take a look of the description of manipulation before then.
“Directly influencing someone’s beliefs, attitudes, or preferences in ways that fall short of what an empathetic observer would deem normatively appropriate in context.” (Benkler & Faris & Robert, 2018)
Does it familiar to you? That is what we confront simultaneously something that happens to us even when we step out the door. We, modern human, encounter a manipulative content in every area of our daily lives, even a binary communication between your best-friend. Then the phenomenon of manipulation doesn’t bother us explicitly. Why and what is that?
That is, as I told, because of what kind of communication pattern we prefer and that is, in this case, a “bubble”. Those bubbles we’d create also lead an atmosphere that makes us think we’re right on any matter. Since everything we see is just also what we want to see. This vivid thought of I’m the one who’s right can cause negativity, arrogance and ignorance…
This paradox remains as you don’t want to leave it out…
What we should have to not to be right anymore?
- Give a try to follow who you don’t agree with
I know that doesn’t make sense at the first glance but I assure you reading, following who you don’t agree with also helps. Also, the things seem correct from whom you trust begins to hear a bit confusing as well. Don’t forget each medium and each individual has a partial idea on things. Be your gatekeeper… Indeed as in real life, the world doesn’t spin around you, don’t make it in your digital world either. So, don’t be afraid seeing other people who you don’t agree with.
2. Adjust your settings.
Your social media settings are pre-adjusted to show the best content, another say, familiar content you may also like. Hereby, Sometimes that would be a good idea to turn of your location-based feed and delete cookies, if you are on a web view.
3. Avoid overuse of Media
In today’s world, here is an abundance of communication out there, not only when you online but you offline too. You must avoid excessive exposure to communication and media; It doesn’t matter either it’s entertaining or pleasing.
You must reconsider your way of using and exposing the media, at least for seeing whether you may not be right.
Benkler, Y., Faris , R., & Roberts, H. (2018). Network Propaganda: Manipulation, Disinformation, and Radicalization in American Politics. Oxford: Oxford University.
