Thread by @SonjaRaaum

This last month has been difficult to process

I’ve struggled with the insane amount of data and the enormity of the situation, but even more so I’ve struggled fitting it all into my worldview

Then, I remembered @factfulness

Here are 10 instincts we can all hone
#MedTwitter

1️⃣ Gap Instinct

Stories can paint dramatic portraits of gaps between two groups - but in reality there is almost always an overlap and majority live in between

❗️beware comparisons of averages
❗️beware comparisons of extremes
❗️remember looking down from above distorts view

2️⃣ Negativity Instinct

❗️Bad events get the press, so expect it - good news and gradual improvements are rarely reported (but you can seek it out!)

🔑 Point: distinguish between a level and direction of change - data can be both bad and better

3️⃣ Straight Line Instinct

❗️Straight lines rarely exist in real life data

Couldn’t be truer in our #covid reality

4️⃣ Fear Instinct

🔑 point: Risk = danger ✖️exposure

This is hard right now because the danger and exposure to COVID is very real

But recognize when we are afraid - it taints our world view. Avoid making decisions under panic!

5️⃣ Size Instinct

Before deciding if reported piece of data is important - always use right proportion when interpreting.

🔹Look for rates and appropriate comparison groups

6️⃣ Generalization Instinct

Question how you categorize people and assume people are not idiots.

🔹Look closely at the similarities and differences within and across groups.

We all generalize, but the 🔑 point is to avoid generalizing incorrectly!

7️⃣ Destiny Instinct

When change happens slowly, it can appear static - but slow change will add up over time!

🔹Look for gradual improvements
🔹Update your knowledge periodically
🔹Discuss change with elders
🔹Gather examples of cultural change

8️⃣ Single Perspective Instinct

We see the 🌎 from one perspective, but important to recognize we need many angles to define it

🔹Test your ideas
🔹Keep expertise to your field
🔹Find experts in other fields
🔹Welcome complexity

9️⃣ Blame Instinct

We tend to look for bad guys to confirm our existing beliefs - recognize when scapegoats are being used!

Instead look for
🔹Causes not villians
🔹Systems not heroes

🔟 Urgency Instinct

Remember decisions are rarely urgent

🔹Take a breath
🔹Find data
🔹Avoid fortune tellers
🔹Focus on step by step practical improvements

In the book they discuss 5 things to worry about and prepare for - including a global pandemic

These points have been helpful to shift my views to become less anxious, but I recognize there are limitations and nuances

So I highly recommend the book for its stories and insight

Also, check out the Ted talk from 2014

ted.com/talks/hans_and…