By: Jamal Carter
Feb. 2, 2023
Have you ever scrolled through your social media feed and come across a story that made you stop and think, “Wait, what?” Perhaps it was something absurd, like a claim that a former president waited two days to respond to a major disaster that occurred long before his time. You’d think to yourself, “But that president wasn’t even in office then!” Sound familiar?
We live in an era where “fake news” and “alternative facts” dominate the conversation. People often share stories that are far from the truth, simply because they’ve seen them widely circulated online. A friend posted it, so it must be true, right? Wrong.
Today, many individuals feel they’re well-informed simply because they read a random article on Facebook. When anyone with a computer and some editing skills can create content, it leads to a dangerous false sense of certainty regarding what constitutes facts and knowledge. In this digital age, the best way to pursue the truth is through diligent research.
Confronting our own ignorance is the first step to combatting the ignorance of others. In a piece for NPR, Dr. Maya Thompson, a professor of sociology, discussed how society is drifting away from valuing expert opinions. She emphasized that relying on scientific research is crucial to overcoming misinformation.
Acknowledging that we don’t possess all the answers isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a mark of self-awareness. While it’s impossible to be an expert on every topic, we can still be well-informed about a variety of subjects. The focus should be on the depth of knowledge, not the breadth.
It’s not solely individuals on social media who spread misinformation. Many leaders, including those in positions of power, often ignore expert advice while championing their own misguided narratives. For instance, when a public figure expresses skepticism about climate change because of a cold snap, it’s a blatant dismissal of scientific evidence. This type of behavior can mislead millions into believing falsehoods.
Finding the truth doesn’t require much effort. Climate change encompasses more than just “global warming”; it involves significant shifts in weather patterns. Personally, I may not be an expert, but I would never dismiss established facts just because a public figure tweeted something misleading.
Similarly, just because you had success with a particular parenting method doesn’t mean you understand every child’s needs. We must remove the blinders that lead us to believe we know everything simply because we had a personal experience. Engaging in arguments online without fully understanding the issue—often without even reading the article—only serves to highlight our own ignorance.
Reading an article in its entirety is essential for gaining insights. After all, we read to expand our knowledge or to view familiar topics from a new perspective. We must look beyond sensational headlines.
Even the most knowledgeable individuals don’t have all the answers, and recognizing this is vital for productive conversations. Those unwilling to admit their limitations are often the most misinformed. Dr. Thompson proposes that instead of merely showcasing what we know, we should also inquire, “What don’t you know?” Redirecting the conversation can prompt others to reflect on their own understanding—or lack thereof.
As a person of color, I recognize that there are many aspects of societal issues like racism that I’m still learning about. When someone challenges my perspective, I don’t react defensively. Instead, I acknowledge, “You’re right; I need to educate myself further.”
None of us can be authorities on every subject, whether it’s child development or financial regulations. But being aware of what we don’t know can prevent us from sounding foolish.
Ultimately, pretending to be knowledgeable in every discussion rarely leads to meaningful dialogue. Someone will inevitably call out the inaccuracies, making you look worse than if you had simply admitted, “I don’t know” or even “I was mistaken.”
In conclusion, recognizing and admitting your knowledge gaps is not a sign of incompetence; rather, it’s a pathway to understanding. Conversely, stubbornly defending unfounded claims and engaging in online disputes to uphold conspiracy theories only serves to showcase your ignorance.
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Summary:
In a world rife with misinformation, it’s crucial to recognize the limits of our knowledge. Acknowledging what we don’t know fosters growth and understanding, while pretending to be an expert only highlights our ignorance. Engaging in thoughtful conversations and seeking the truth can lead to more meaningful interactions.
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