Publish at March 15 2023 Updated March 15 2023
In our hyper-mediated world, many speak in societal debates whether on radio, television or the Internet. Jimmy Mohamed was one such expert frequently invited to speak not only about his field, medicine, but also about other issues. However, he eventually stopped and only appeared when the topic was health. Why did he stop? He felt he was contributing nothing but reinforcing cognitive biases.
That, already, of authority. Indeed, much easier to trust a doctor who knows - in the eyes of the general public - everything about the human body than anyone else. He was facing confirmation bias from his opponents, who rejected these arguments out of hand for those that went their way.
Finally, he noted that most people fall into the negativity bias, that is, negative items will stick in memory longer and evoke more emotion than positive ones. This reflex, admittedly essential in the early days of humanity to remember which berry was dangerous to consume, however, undermines public debates and opportunities to bring about change.
Thus, he proposes doing nothing, not trying to convince but setting a good example. The proposal seems paradoxical, but he relies on biology to back up his claim. Because doing nothing does not mean "doing nothing". It means rather than simply trying to shout arguments to others, to act according to what seems good in order to elicit the mirror cells. The ones that make us yawn or laugh collectively. By example, he believes that in this way, there will be a better chance of making essential changes in our societies.
Time: 11min24
Photo credit: en.depositphotos.com
Access exclusive services for free
Subscribe and receive newsletters on:
In addition, index your favorite resources in your own folders and find your history of consultation.
Subscribe to the newsletterYou might also like:
A serious game on social engagement
Many serious games address the topic of sustainable development. Yet before such solutions were proposed, innovative people had to go against the social grain and fight to improve their environment. A humorous adventure game, hosted by the National Film Board, teaches children the attitudes they need to adopt to make a difference.
Food games at the Alimentarium
Food is a daily concern. A series of 6 games proposed by the Alimentarium museum reminds us of the importance of a balanced diet, to know the organs of the digestive tract in order to better understand the digestion of food and other food-related topics. An initiative all the more interesting because there are not many serious games related to food.
What fascinates us about octopuses?
Whether it's fascination or disgust, octopuses leave no one indifferent in the Internet age. The sea creatures are almost on the same level as cats. A feat that can be explained by the continuous discoveries made about these animals and their remarkable intelligence. Will the earth one day belong to the octopuses?
E-commerce has gone from a marginal share to one of the most widely used means of consumption. Amazon, among others, is one of the giants that are taking over the retail business. A quasi-monopoly that seems to be far from running out of steam.
What music in the prehistoric era?
Was there music in prehistoric times? More and more archaeologists affirm it. They have found various instruments made from organic or non-organic elements that could produce notes. However, the musical uses would differ from those in use today.
