| Why are we so
vulnerable to
Bullshit
? Not many of us reach adulthood having ditched most of our child-like
illusions. We also don't appreciate that our psychological make-up -
whether inborn or acquired from copying parents and peers - leaves us
exposed to savvy persuaders and influencers. |
We are ruled by our emotions:
- sympathy for sufferers - including animals
- personal disappointments
- anger, bad temper
- below par feeling, pain
- envy, jealousy
- need to feel someone cares positively about us
|
We need to belong:
- we're attracted to an in-group or gang
- we're lured by the appeal of 'groupthink'
- we're tempted to look for scapegoats
- we like to identify a common enemy
- we fall into tribal attitude - 'we in, they out'
|
We want to believe:
- we're bewitched by a good story
- we like mystery, myth, miracles
- we indulge in wishful thinking, daydreaming
- we need a cause to espouse
- we hope for a 'they' or magic potion to put things right
- we believe in our own luck (good or bad)
|
We have a preference to keep things simple:
- we prefer simple explanations or stories
- we're not good at assessing realistic probablilities or risks
- we have a desire for certainty, 100% security
- we need recourse to an 'escape' mode, a quiet life
|
We are suspicious of difference:
- we suspect other persons who show differences from 'our'
normality
- we're uncomfortable with 'tall poppies'
- we have a mistrust of experts, and of science
|
We want to hang on to our personal pride:
- we have ambition, or chosen direction in life
- we're defensive of our chosen persona
- we're unwilling to admit our own failings
- we're concerned with other people's opinions of us
|
We have a desire for happiness and enjoyment
- we like a feeling of fulfilment - I did it my way
- we look for some fun
- we seek sensual gratification
|
| There is now a 'Misinformation Susceptibility Test'
- so far only used with Americans. But you can try it yourself at
this web address. |
