Critical Thinking in Today’s World
Critical thinking refers to how a person examines an assertion’s logical value or authenticity. In other terms, a person using critical thinking does not accept any assertion without questioning its value. It is essential to make a fundamental distinction with the term “critical” having a pejorative value in many people’s minds. Many people assume that “to criticize” equals speaking badly or looking negatively at something. This idea could not be further from the truth. On the contrary, to take a critical look at something is to try to see the thing, with its advantages and disadvantages, and therefore to show maximum objectivity in our judgments. However, we gradually lose this virtue today as different factors negatively affect our judgment.
Technology is a tool that, by itself, cannot be responsible for the decrease in our critical thinking. However, as technology plays a significant role in our lives, it has affected our critical thinking and analysis skills. A neuroscientist, Susan Greenfield, has declared, “Studies show that reading develops imagination, induction, reflection and critical thinking, as well as vocabulary.” A study conducted in 2022 in the USA showed that 50% of American adults have not read a book in the past year. Although they surveyed only Americans, it is unlikely that there is any distinguishable difference from other countries. Reading for pleasure has significantly declined among young people. Reading enhances the development of the imagination in a way that visual media or television never could. Unfortunately, the more we consume technology, the less willing we are to use our brains. Technology has undoubtedly helped us improve; however, we must balance our media diet to maintain our critical thinking.
The influence of the media has taken a considerable place. It represents an undeniable power today. This power is reflected in its ability to shape ways of thinking. Nevertheless, the influence is more subtle. By providing information, the media is indirectly orienting thoughts. A study depicted that 93% of people between 14–22 years old use social media daily. Another study reveals that 42% of people aged 18–29 get their news from social platforms. Is social media a trustworthy place to get news? It might not be, as any ethic does not bound to social media. Social media algorithms are biased to show users a particular point of view, ultimately skewing their opinions, especially politically. These algorithms are even more influential than individuals who post false or misleading information on the Internet. Who gets to decide what pops up on your feed? Public opinion today is mainly based on what is trendy on social media. Indeed, these manufacture our consent. In other words, they shape us and guide us toward a thought. So much so that we no longer really know how to have our own opinion on a fact and need a mass opinion to guide us.
A spokesperson (whom we will call Mr. X) was invited to give a speech during an event. He decided to sit with the public. The guy next to him told him, “I do not like the guy that is going to give the speech today” (referring to Mr. X). Mr. X was curious and asked, “But why do you not like him?” He answered, “I do not know, but I heard someone saying he does not like him.” Mr. X asked him again, “Have you ever heard the guest of today speaking?”, he answered, “no”. This situation illustrates how others’ opinions can significantly impact the determination of our likes and dislikes. During the American midterms election in 2018, Taylor Swift announced that she was voting in favor of the Democratic party. As soon as she declared it, Voted.net site noted a peak of 200,000 votes in favor of the Democratic party. Even if it is a small percentage of her fans, the singer really impacts their decisions. It is, therefore, to be feared that your opinion can be easily manipulated if you fail to use your critical thinking.
When our Advanced Seminar class started, one of our first assignments was to defend the opposite point of view of something we initially believed in. This assignment made me question most of the things I stand for. It does not imply that I had to change my mind on those topics, but I could explore another point of view and question why I think the way I think. The goal of having a critical mind is not to think more but to think better. To ultimately be able to think rationally and independently. Concretely, it is a question of adopting a thought of “questioning”, in order not to accept as true or accurate any affirmation or information without first examining it. It is a crucial skill to be developed in our society if we want to avoid any manipulation.
References
Wordsrated, Over 50% American haven’t read a book in the past year (2022), https://wordsrated.com/american-reading-habits-study/
WorkUp, How many people get their news from Social Media (2022), https://letter.ly/how-many-people-get-their-news-from-social-media/
CNBC Politics, Voters registration skyrocket after Taylor Swift Get-out-the-vote push (2018), https://www.cnbc.com/2018/10/09/voter-registrations-skyrocket-after-taylor-swift-instagram-post.html
