Scholarly record

CRITICAL THINKING IN THE AGE OF DIGITAL MEDIA

Alexander Plencner

Abstract

This paper examines challenges to media and scientific literacy which were brought to scholarly awareness by growing popularity of conspiracy theories, pseudoscience, and alternative medicine. Easy availability of all kinds of information through the means of digital media makes informed opinions and decisions more difficult. Member of the audience needs to distinguish between various information sources. Ability to measure their credibility is vital component of critical thinking skills and it is closely related to media literacy and scientific literacy. The author suppose that general users of digital media are confident in their ability to search and even evaluate highly specific information due to Dunning-Kruger effect. However, strong belief in conspiracy theories, or denying benefits of vaccination can lead to serious dangers. It can be considered as a potential threat to democracy or general public health. The author assume that the cause of popularity of questionable information sources may possibly lie in insecure attachment styles of certain audiences which may govern their information searching patterns. Changes in communication are needed, because uncritical audience surrendering to manipulation and flawed theories is generally very resistant to persuasion and reasoning. Without honest, non-aggressive and empathetic communication approach, with noticeable efforts for understanding and acceptance, changes in attitudes of these segments of audiences are hardly to happen.

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DOI resolver: doi.org/10.5593/sgemsocial2014/B12/S2.025

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