Thread by @steak_umm

this is the official steak-umm thread of threads to organize our top tweetstorm rants from over the years. topics include scientific literacy, critical thinking, memes, cognitive biases, woke brands, polarization, conspiracy theories, and more

steak-umm bless

anecdotes vs. data

here's a list of critical thinking tips

the problems that young people face today may correlate with their behaviors toward brands (and public figures, etc.) on social media

the differences between experts and communicators

some thoughts on "woke brands"

entertainment, polarization, outrage, and absurdity sell

facts, impartial reporting, nuance, and thoughtfulness don't

the propensity to believe in conspiracy theories is baked into human nature via psychological traits, universal needs (belonging, meaning, etc), and reactions to common social conditions

the history of memes

here are some small ways people can come together amidst polarization

how to determine the credibility of a source:

be wary of miracle cures, snake oil salesmen, and naturalistic fallacies during times of chaos and uncertainty

how to navigate between "rules" and "exceptions" in data and science

trolling is part of internet culture and people selectively hate or love it depending on whether it serves or hurts them

vulnerable people are the most targeted by propaganda (etc). it's often more helpful to form relationships with them instead of vilifying them, although this is extremely difficult and should be handled on a case by case basis

everybody struggles with cognitive dissonance and the more we grapple with it the better we can manage it

here are some beef tips for engaging with conspiracy theorists (and bad faith actors in general)

be wary of the dunning-kruger effect, especially within yourself

a brief beef rant on "niceness"

here are 9 beef tips on shaping and sharing your views

a thread about how all brands that make social/political comments/stances do so to meat a self-interested bottom line, including us

a thread on the differences between descriptive and prescriptive claims which people often conflate

a thread on why distrust, polarization, and misinformation are so high and how everyone should share the goal of fighting against splintered reality with universal facts and standards of evidence

a thread on how text-based communication is inherently difficult and short-form platforms encourage/amplify the wurst behaviors so it's good to stay aware of these issues online to continue developing healthier habits