I used to be able to search for things using a search engine. It would point me to a source of information, I could decide for myself if the source was good or not. But not anymore. Recently I just wasted a lot of time trying to find something using a search engine only to get lost in an ocean of AI slop.

I finally gave in and asked my question to ChatGPT and it answered my question perfectly, it even showed me where it got it’s sources of information. The places it linked me to were either no longer existent (if ever) or only vaguely related. But it at least created the appearance of citing factual sources of information, in whatever way the statistical models have been trained to give that impression to the humans who use it.

In Orwell’s novel “1984,” we saw how a single government agency took all control over information, how the staff would keep a database of facts but constantly alter these facts to fit the view of reality that their despot “Big Brother” wanted the citizens to believe. The same thing happens now with LLMs presenting a very carefully tuned image of the facts in the database.

AI chat bots are an innovative new method of brainwashing, one which nobody could have ever imagined possible even a few years ago: get everyone to trust a mechanical Big Brother because it chats with you like a friendly fellow human would.

(Full article here.)

Facts don't matter.
#CriticalThinking @skepticism

For my second appendix to my Introduction, I'll talk about another project I'm working on, called OSES, or the Open Source Education System. It does not have anything to do with open source software however, not even computers. This is in fact just a placeholder name I've chosen until a better one comes up. It is meant to denote how it is meant to follow a similar method of development as open source software uses, which I'll describe in more detail later.

The primary goal of the program is to teach people important knowledge and skills that are too often missing from the traditional education system. Examples include critical thinking, interpersonal communication, and emotion management (think like anger management, but for all emotions). While these are things almost everyone already has some knowledge and skill in already, everyone can benefit from improving them, and there is a lot to learn in these areas that most people are not aware of.

OSES is not designed to replace traditional education, but instead work independent of it. It would be accessible, for free, primarily from the Internet in the form of downloadable materials (text, videos, apps, etc.). As time goes on and the program develops, it is my intention that groups will form that will assist in this training. They will be spontaneous, self-organized study groups that can range from large lecture groups to just having a study/practice partner. As many different learning styles will be accommodated as possible in order to reach as many people as possible.

It is my hope that this program will not only be helpful to people's lives as individuals, but will also benefit their communities, organizations, and society as a whole. I'll describe more aspects of this project further in future replies to this post.

Kampf wins Iowa STEM Teacher Award as innovative Irving science teacher | News https://www.byteseu.com/801328/ #AndMathematics #cognition #CriticalThinking #EDUCATION #EducationTheory #engineering #learning #Science #ScienceEducation #teacher #Technology #thought

Opinions are liberating

Exercising #criticalthinking skills is knowing why you hold a particular #opinion.

Believing that you can express your opinion without other people exercising their critical-thinking skills is a good way to find out you have no idea why you believe anything.

http://inaniludibrio.com/2025/02/23/opinions-are-liberating/

It doesn't make sense to think that a very few number of very rich people have suddenly started to diligently and actively help regular, every day people who are working their jobs.

People who believe this are either avoiding thinking carefully about the situation, lack critical-thinking skills, or are in on the grift.

Finally, I’m back in my own skin, and can continue with the good stuff. Finished Critical Thinking Skills for Dummies by Martin Cohen, one of many books in this same exact topic to be read by everyone. Great starter. | https://nightmodereading.wordpress.com #bookstodon #criticalthinking

"Critical ignoring" as a strategy to control and immunize one's information environment (Kozyreva et al., 2023) https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epub/10.1177/09637214221121570

Such a useful frame for something I've long practised but didn't have a good term for before

AI & COGNITION
Study: AI Reliance Weakens Critical Thinking

Research shows workers who trust AI most use less critical effort, risking cognitive decline.

36% of users actively check AI errors, but many remain unaware of its flaws.

Experts warn: Overuse of AI could erode problem-solving skills over time.

A correlation between using #AI and lower #criticalThinking went viral: https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15010006

Many accepted the title's implied causation: "AI Tools... IMPACT... Critical Thinking"

Few mentioned that the correlation
- interacts with #education
- diminishes (quadratic term)

More AI use is connected with less critical thinking...

Because AI users "offload" their employment of deep, reflective thinking to the machine.

Not a big surprise, I am afraid.

#AI #CriticalThinking #academia #science #Research

https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4698/15/1/6

#Libraries foment #reading and most importantly, #CriticalThinking.

They are the bane of existence for Creepy Weirdos™ who only want you to feel the vibes, ignoring your own feelings and thoughts.
https://mastodon.social/@everylibrary/113702650203624231

If someone says a system is "efficient," the question should be, "Efficient for what?"

Efficiency for speed is the opposite of efficient for fuel conservation. Efficiency for lightweight is the opposite of efficiency for carrying heavy loads. Efficiency for profit is the opposite of efficiency for human and earth wellness.

When they say "capitalism is the most efficient," that's true, but not for mine or your needs.

The frigid early winter weather in Alabama is taking a toll on watermelon trees statewide. Farmers are reporting frost-damaged leaves and soil as the freezing temperatures persist. The really cold weather exacerbates the situation, posing a threat to next season's watermelon crop.
Watermelon trees require mild conditions to thrive, but the current weather is proving challenging.

#criticalThinking #TruthOrConsequences

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