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> We need to teach children critical thinking skills and allow them to make their own decisions The timescale of this process is ~15-20 years. "Critical thinki

> We need to teach children critical thinking skills and allow them to make their own decisions The timescale of this process is ~15-20 years. "Critical thinking", "common sense" and "being an adult" all refer someone that has cultivated the ability to filter information independently. I would argue that many 18+ people don't fully develop this skill. See cults, propaganda, conformity for datapoints. I agree that we SHOULD teach children critical thinking. But MAYBE if you give them a smartphone and social media you should expect this type of result. In general, I think that the move from TV (where CNN had "authority") to the internet (influencers have the power) can explain some social trends that are going on. Ex. conspiracy theories are a dime a dozen these days with youtube videos slowly hypnotizing you.

qzx_pierri 4y ago
> The timescale of this process is ~15-20 years. Yes, it won't happen overnight. This requires a culture shift. But banning things to coddle children's mind even further will hinder the process. > I would argue that many 18+ people don't fully develop this skill. See cults, propaganda, conformity for datapoints. I agree. Which is why I initially said we should teach children critical thinking skills. > But MAYBE if you give them a smartphone and social media you should expect this type of result. This is a parental issue. And if a child has incompetent parents, then no proposed solution matters at the end of the day. > In general, I think that the move from TV (where CNN had "authority") to the internet (influencers have the power) can explain some social trends that are going on. ?
- oldsklgdfth 4y ago
  > Yes, it won't happen overnight. This requires a culture shift. I meant that it takes 15-20 years for critical thinking to develop. I don't think you can teach a kid critical thinking (at least anything that is useful against internet content). The best mechanism is teach them dogma/fear mongering "don't talk to strangers". > But banning things to coddle children's mind even further will hinder the process I agree with banning content. The technology needs to be eliminated. I realize this is an extreme view, but little value comes from giving kids tech. Tell them to go play outside and explore the world. > And if a child has incompetent parents, then no proposed solution matters at the end of the day. Yup, the best you can do is TRY to be a good parent and maybe help out with friends that are struggling. > ? You notice how everyone is politically divided? People are anxious about the future? It's never not been the case that "things are bad" and "life is unpredictable", what is different is the hysteria around "it's the end of days". All that is social media. Prior to internet, TV told us what to think. It was a unified message - communism bad, nazis bad, etc. Even opposition media was mostly investigative and finding really messed up stuff to "correct" the system. Because these were professional journalists creating an elegant narrative of the world around us. Obviously, 24hr news was the downfall of that. But even there, it was left and right. Enter the internet, which democratized free speech (GOOD). But ANYONE can say ANYTHING (BAD). Which is how you get ridiculously outlandish conspiracies, niche political movements and just general hate towards everything. So this social trend of desperation and hopelessness, that's social media.
  - qzx_pierri 4y ago
    There is an insane lack of self awareness in this post.
    - oldsklgdfth 4y ago
      ?

qzx_pierri 4y ago

> The timescale of this process is ~15-20 years. Yes, it won't happen overnight. This requires a culture shift. But banning things to coddle children's mind even further will hinder the process. > I would argue that many 18+ people don't fully develop this skill. See cults, propaganda, conformity for datapoints. I agree. Which is why I initially said we should teach children critical thinking skills. > But MAYBE if you give them a smartphone and social media you should expect this type of result. This is a parental issue. And if a child has incompetent parents, then no proposed solution matters at the end of the day. > In general, I think that the move from TV (where CNN had "authority") to the internet (influencers have the power) can explain some social trends that are going on. ?

oldsklgdfth 4y ago
> Yes, it won't happen overnight. This requires a culture shift. I meant that it takes 15-20 years for critical thinking to develop. I don't think you can teach a kid critical thinking (at least anything that is useful against internet content). The best mechanism is teach them dogma/fear mongering "don't talk to strangers". > But banning things to coddle children's mind even further will hinder the process I agree with banning content. The technology needs to be eliminated. I realize this is an extreme view, but little value comes from giving kids tech. Tell them to go play outside and explore the world. > And if a child has incompetent parents, then no proposed solution matters at the end of the day. Yup, the best you can do is TRY to be a good parent and maybe help out with friends that are struggling. > ? You notice how everyone is politically divided? People are anxious about the future? It's never not been the case that "things are bad" and "life is unpredictable", what is different is the hysteria around "it's the end of days". All that is social media. Prior to internet, TV told us what to think. It was a unified message - communism bad, nazis bad, etc. Even opposition media was mostly investigative and finding really messed up stuff to "correct" the system. Because these were professional journalists creating an elegant narrative of the world around us. Obviously, 24hr news was the downfall of that. But even there, it was left and right. Enter the internet, which democratized free speech (GOOD). But ANYONE can say ANYTHING (BAD). Which is how you get ridiculously outlandish conspiracies, niche political movements and just general hate towards everything. So this social trend of desperation and hopelessness, that's social media.
- qzx_pierri 4y ago
  There is an insane lack of self awareness in this post.
  - oldsklgdfth 4y ago
    ?