Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search
9 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Stephen Hawking: "The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge" (Original Post) kpete Nov 2020 OP
That quote genxlib Nov 2020 #1
I wouldn't blamr it on the internet per se. Just like every new technology, it can be used for Good triron Nov 2020 #3
Actually, things were far worse before the internet. Yavin4 Nov 2020 #5
Or as Mark Twain put it... Another Jackalope Nov 2020 #2
Never a truer word was spoken Dem2 Nov 2020 #4
I would distinqush... Newest Reality Nov 2020 #6
That coincides perfectly with what I have always explained. Doreen Nov 2020 #7
Dunning-Kruger effect yonder Nov 2020 #8
Or as phrased by Leo Rosten Miguelito Loveless Nov 2020 #9

genxlib

(5,508 posts)
1. That quote
Fri Nov 13, 2020, 12:33 PM
Nov 2020

Is a perfect embodiment of what the internet has done to us.

In the early days, it was touted being a great equalizer that was going to democratize information in a way to engage the masses into society.

Instead it has created a world full of pseudo-experts who think they know everything because they saw it on the internet.

Social media has only made it worse because now it is pushed directly into their streams.

triron

(21,916 posts)
3. I wouldn't blamr it on the internet per se. Just like every new technology, it can be used for Good
Fri Nov 13, 2020, 12:38 PM
Nov 2020

or Evil (and many shades in between).
Brilliant men and women have great insights beyond their specialties.

Yavin4

(35,357 posts)
5. Actually, things were far worse before the internet.
Fri Nov 13, 2020, 12:42 PM
Nov 2020

Reagan, in many ways, was very similar to Trump. Almost point for point. For example, Reagan completely ignored the HIV crisis unfolding in America. Google Larry Speaks laughing at a press conference about the virus.

Before the internet, we relied heavily on myths and gut instincts. This allowed the bullshit to flow. Yes, there's a lot of bad information out there on the internet, but there's a ton of really great information as well. The truly unbiased person looks at the source and checks the data supporting any claim.

Another Jackalope

(112 posts)
2. Or as Mark Twain put it...
Fri Nov 13, 2020, 12:36 PM
Nov 2020

“It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble. It’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so. “

Newest Reality

(12,712 posts)
6. I would distinqush...
Fri Nov 13, 2020, 12:43 PM
Nov 2020

I would distinguish mere information as white noise without the knowledge about how to integrate and process it.

The data is all content and meaningless or easily misinterpreted and can even be overwhelming. Too much information without the knowledge of processes and knowing how to think is more of a propaganda tool than anything else for those who don't possesses the skills and knowledge needed to discern truth from falsehoods.

We are really in danger when it comes to that. Context is important.

Doreen

(11,686 posts)
7. That coincides perfectly with what I have always explained.
Fri Nov 13, 2020, 12:45 PM
Nov 2020

Making educated decisions has nothing to do with having a masters or PhD. It has to do with not self educating on all subjects you discuss. Or vote on.

Miguelito Loveless

(4,438 posts)
9. Or as phrased by Leo Rosten
Fri Nov 13, 2020, 01:10 PM
Nov 2020

"It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you do know, that ain't so."

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Stephen Hawking: "The gre...