I don't know if simplifying something can be called a "lie", but it can definitely lead to misconceptions that can make you more vulnerable to manipulation sometimes. I think it all ties down to the human need to see things in simple black and white terms.
The idea never crossed my mind because when it comes to educational content sometimes I think 1 dimensionally which is a flaw I have. Sometimes I'ts impossible for me to see that content creator's I trust aren't 100% correct and I believe everyone struggles with this to some extent. I will take this as a reminder that the story presented in a 1 minute video can never be the full version, even if the content creator has no intention of deceiving their audience, spreading misinformation or manipulating the truth.
When this comes up, I always think about how when you first study Nazi Germany in UK you learn that Hitler was an all-powerful, controlling dictator with a big evil plan, but if you go on to study advanced history you are told, “forget that. He was chaotic and vague, and the people who worked for him scrambled to do whatever it was that they thought he wanted bc no-one really knew what he was getting at.” That was my first eye-opener into this kind of thing and blew my 16 y/o mind!
I think we should be caveating way more that “it’s complicated” to kids! Is condescending to dumb things down, and makes some kids distrust expert authorities when they can see v well that it’s short-sighted. Teaching “it’s complicated, but” is probably never more urgent than now, too!
I was put off science in school because with every new grade they would reveal everything the year prior was only the piece of the puzzle in a smug 'Gotcha!' moment. This was a much more tactful reveal.
This comment is a lie
What if you're lying about this article as well?
The value of context and nuance can never really be understated. As you've so clearly demonstrated, there is always more to the story.
I don't know if simplifying something can be called a "lie", but it can definitely lead to misconceptions that can make you more vulnerable to manipulation sometimes. I think it all ties down to the human need to see things in simple black and white terms.
The idea never crossed my mind because when it comes to educational content sometimes I think 1 dimensionally which is a flaw I have. Sometimes I'ts impossible for me to see that content creator's I trust aren't 100% correct and I believe everyone struggles with this to some extent. I will take this as a reminder that the story presented in a 1 minute video can never be the full version, even if the content creator has no intention of deceiving their audience, spreading misinformation or manipulating the truth.
When this comes up, I always think about how when you first study Nazi Germany in UK you learn that Hitler was an all-powerful, controlling dictator with a big evil plan, but if you go on to study advanced history you are told, “forget that. He was chaotic and vague, and the people who worked for him scrambled to do whatever it was that they thought he wanted bc no-one really knew what he was getting at.” That was my first eye-opener into this kind of thing and blew my 16 y/o mind!
I think we should be caveating way more that “it’s complicated” to kids! Is condescending to dumb things down, and makes some kids distrust expert authorities when they can see v well that it’s short-sighted. Teaching “it’s complicated, but” is probably never more urgent than now, too!
So by “lie” we mean some difference between what is communicated and a believable-enough truth or essence of communicable reality?
right – this has always been on my mind. one spends the second half of learning anything unlearning what they had in the first half
I was put off science in school because with every new grade they would reveal everything the year prior was only the piece of the puzzle in a smug 'Gotcha!' moment. This was a much more tactful reveal.
this was comforting in a weird way. Thank you for this
All models are wrong… but some are useful.
This ate, lowkey. I’m /literally/ obsessed.
I did not like this article (I’m lying)
Everybody lies