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Scientists show how ‘doing your own research’ leads to believing conspiracies — This effect arises because of the quality of information churned out by Google’s search engine (www.vice.com)

submitted 11 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Scientists show how ‘doing your own research’ leads to believing conspiracies — This effect arises because of the quality of information churned out by Google’s search engine::Researchers found that people searching misinformation online risk falling into “data voids” that increase belief in conspiracies.

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[–] [email protected] 26 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Yes. Let me Google that for you is no longer enough, a combination of search engine enshittification, state disinformation efforts by Russia and China, propaganda efforts by plutocrats, The Heritage Foundation and religious ministries and the removal of critical thinking trainig from public education in the US. Also mass politicization where the shoes worn by a candy mascot is grounds for outrage.

It seems to have lead to an era of the deep dive podcast where hosts cite sources. But its our responsibility to confirm those sourses when able.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Curious, but was there ever a time when critical thinking was taught in US public schools above and beyond what is being taught in public schools now?

US public schools are getting underfunded, of course, but curricula themselves have probably improved over time?

I honestly don't really even know how to begin researching this particular line of inquiry, and I have a background in social science research.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 11 months ago

It's a complex answer, I think.

Yes, some curricula has definitely improved. And yes, there has been a concerted influence by disingenuous agents. And there has been a departure of skilled educators due to pay and treatment, allowing significantly less skilled, able or genuine teachers to enter the field.

So, while you could say "X is better", that can mean very little if there is no one to teach it (willingly). So, to answer your first question: yes.