Cheif editor of Japanese Huffpost tweeted “logical error is allowed if it is interesting”. I cannot trust Huffpost any longer.

Aito Shiroshita
Jul 23, 2017 · 1 min read

The Cheif editor of Japanese Huffington post tweeted!

https://twitter.com/ryuichirot/status/888747557345611777

He said “An logical error is allowed if the article is interesting”.

What’s Happen?

The beginning of the trouble is this article(written in Japanese).

This article introduce that an analysis found that there is a correlation between Japanese various problems and the living alone 40s ratio.

The analysis shows only correlation but Huffpost reported as if living alone 40s were the cause of the problems. Huffpost discussed ways to lower the ratio.

Mistook Correlation as Causal Relationship

Of course, Huffpost mistook the correlation as a causal relationship. There is no guarantee that the lowering the ratio solve the problems. Think intuitively, the living alone 40s ratio is not a cause but the result.

This mistake became a hot topic in Japan and many Japanese pointed out a error.

Huffpost should apologize this mistake.

Huffpost become Defiant

Then, the Chief editor of Huffpost tweet.

He justified the logical error. He don’t mind wrongness if the article is interesting.

Japanese Huffpost is not mind seems not to be interested in their articles are correct or wrong.

Huffpost’s Trust is Ruined

I was shocked because the Huffpost is one of medias I liked. This tweet was enough to lose trust in Huffpost.

Media must not say that they do not mind their articles being wrong.

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