Researchers at New York University have concluded that social media is not an accurate reflection of society, but more like a funhouse mirror distorted by a small but vocal minority of extreme outliers. It’s a finding that has special resonance this election season. John Yang speaks with psychology professor Jay Van Bavel, one of the authors of the paper that reported the research, to learn more.
Honestly I’ve started to start any political conversations with someone who’s misinformed like: “Oh you’re think they’re eating dogs? I saw that too, but it isn’t news. It’s political ads. You know? Propaganda? But they are selling you fear instead. Turns out it’s just fiction, lol. They tricked me too.”
It generally opens up a legit conversation, and the person is less defensive since it’s us talking about something else. Instead of me vs them.