Where do we get information now?
Science will never be the same.
The great debate over the vaccine has changed the world forever. Even if you have no issues with the vaccine, you’ll think twice whenever someone says “Well, the science says x.”
That’s where people are today in 2022. So polarized that we can’t even agree on the definition of words like ‘science’ and ‘vaccine’.
We can’t even define a woman or a man anymore.
There are two sides at one another’s throats all the time. Each side longing to destroy the other and finally claim victory.
Today, we'll be talking specifically about science.
The Information Overload
Part of the reason as to why we can’t agree on simple definitions anymore is because of the sheer amount of information out there.
You can pretty much find evidence to support any theory or possibility you can imagine.
For example, I Googled the most concrete thing I could think of to see if anyone had a counterargument.
Check this out.
I searched “Is gravity real” thinking that there is no way someone could try to refute it, but one of the first articles that showed up was this one.
As you can see, it is not some dude in his mom’s basement writing angrily about how gravity is a hoax and everything we hear is wrong.
This article is lengthy and goes in-depth as to why gravity is a myth.
It’s published in the Journal of Physics Research and Applications, which sounds pretty fancy. I’m not sure what the details of the organization are, but it seems pretty legit.
This is what I’m talking about. You can search for pretty much anything and you are almost guaranteed to find someone who can bring some proof as to why a certain theory is wrong.
This is good.
It allows us to question everything. It makes us more critical thinkers.
If we believed everything we heard, the human race would have ended long ago.
People Almost Never Change Their Mind
Damn near every debate we have ever been in has ended with no change in either person's thinking.
We can bring up the most logical and evidence-backed theory ever and it doesn't matter.
People refuse to believe they are wrong. They will fight for their belive until the day they die. Once people truly believe something, they will likely die believing in it no matter what.
This is true for a couple of reasons.
The first is that people are stubborn. They don’t want to admit when they are wrong. For some reason, they view it as a negative if someone can make them change their mind.
Because of stubbornness, people are often too proud to admit when they are wrong about something.
This means that even if you do change someone’s mind, they are unlikely to admit it. Therefore, getting someone to first change their mind and then admit it is almost impossible.
You have a better chance of getting struck by lighting… twice.
The second reason is that all the information they take in reinforces their belief.
Social media and the internet know what we believe and like to look at. It will show you more of what you already like and believe. This makes it hard to see another point of view.
With no perspective on the other point of view, people are left to believe the thing they know. Which so happens to be the thing they believe.
Are you seeing the problem here?
As It Relates To Science
As much as we might not want to admit it, there is science and evidence to prove that the covid vaccine works and that it doesn't work at all.
No matter what side you believe, I think we can all agree on this.
There have been reputable doctors with a great deal of knowledge on both sides of the fence. Some agree the vaccine works and some don’t.
Now, think about the points above.
With the never-ending information available to us at any second combined with human nature, this question is a breeding ground for disagreement.
It’s gotten to the point where the CDC had to change its definition of a vaccine. People were using this as proof that they were right and the other side was wrong.
Then there is the whole “science changes” debate. Again, both sides can use this line and interest as a way to prove their side is right.
What You Can Do
First, you need to branch out.
Listen to people who have different ideas than you do. If you normally watch CNN, watch Fox News and vice versa.
Next time you are in a debate with someone, listen to what they have to say. Think about why they have this certain belief system.
Have they believed it since birth? Is it something they recently saw and now believe? Is it because they hate a certain person who believes the other side?
The next step is to do your own research on the subject. Yes, still listen to professionals and experts on both sides, but make sure to try to find the information yourself.
No matter what anyone says to you, you should take it with a grain of salt.
it’s almost sad to say, but that’s the way the world is now.
You need to do your own research and then come to a conclusion yourself. Try not to let outside influences decide for you.
If you are talking to someone and they bring up a good point, let them know that. It’s a good thing to learn new things, not a bad thing.
To sum all of this up in one sentence, here it is.
Do your own research and make your own decisions.
