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Metacognition and Extremism

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(@laura-f)
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Great article from Popular Science. It's nice to see that there are scientists working towards creating more positivity in modern societies, I find it hopeful and it echoes many of the predictions on here.

If you don't have time to read the article, bottom line is that those with lower metacognition (the ability to think bout how you think) tend to be more extremist in their views, more confident in their own correctness, and possibly less trustful of objective truths.

https://getpocket.com/explore/item/people-with-extreme-political-views-have-trouble-thinking-about-their-own-thinking?utm_source=pocket-newtab

 


   
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(@michele-b)
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Haven't even had a chance to read the article yet, but I totally agree!  ?


   
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(@michele-b)
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Laura F. 

Great article!

Short and easy to read but sure made its point.  Everyone I can think of in this category fits it and the findings to a "T".

Gives me a lot to think about during future discussions or comments from others and perhaps even some potentional  short cuts and get arounds for rerouting a "one sided conversation".


   
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(@jeanne-mayell)
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Somehow I missed this important topic when you posted it Laura.  Just seeing it now. 

Really helpful concept and good article.

Makes me feel better about how much I question everything. 

 Then on another note, it still doesn’t explain the majority of  Republicans I know who seem normal and healthy except for their political beliefs.  Is it from brainwashing (from  right wing media?)


   
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(@laura-f)
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The article explains that, in that those with lower metacognition are probably also more prone to brain-washing, but bottom line, the article stresses that the lower metacognition results in part in an inability to recognize objective truths. So there you have it.


   
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(@retired-techie)
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I came across this after reading another (more current) post.

To me, another factor is Fear. Fear of not being with the majority, fear of sticking out, fear of being ridiculed for one's different opinion, etc.

One could be examining their beliefs (metacognition), but let the Fear of what others may think of them keep them from proclaiming their 'real' beliefs.

  ???


   
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(@laura-f)
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@retired-techie

Agreed, and certainly the current US administration is employing fear tactics at every turn.

For example, one of the Rethuglicans who tried to storm the SCIF last week said "You should all be very afraid, because if they can do this to the president they can do this to anyone. Be afraid!"

Which made me laugh because all I could think was: I've no great trust in government, BUT I don't think they're gonna come after me with a congressional inquiry because I tried to extort a foreign ally or because I paid off a porn star or because I won't release my tax returns.

However it does give me pause to actually hear officials in government using the actual words "You should all be afraid", as if we work for them and not the other way around. It's their way of trying to change the narrative, and the use of fear tactics goes back to what my linked article said:  those with lower metacognition are more prone to being brain washed.


   
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