• Digit@lemmy.wtf
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    17 hours ago

    How do you determine they are “nonsensical conspiracies”?

    Could it be media induces in us a belief that we think ourselves “media competent”, such that we begin to presume to know, without scrutiny?

    … Certainly used to be my job, when I worked in advertising. Easier to induce in people, than to undo.

    Few seem of a Socratic bent, such as “All I know is I know nothing. And sometimes I forget even that much.”, preferring instead the feels of believing themselves smart and wise, not confronting the horror of how readily manipulated they are. … Sorry for my part, doing that to everybody who saw the adverts and corporate branding I made when I was “just doing my job”. Had I stayed in the industry, I dread to think what I’d be doing now with the power at the advertiser’s/marketer’s/propagandist’s disposal, able to cold read smart phone users, 24/7.

    I used to do it. And I’m not self deluded enough to think even my level of media awareness is in any way adequate a protection against it.

    But having said that… Yes, better media awareness(/“competence”), than “a doctors degree”. Having a doctorate makes sure you were obedient enough to get through the system, and makes you a special influencer target for such manipulations. Always seek another “2nd opinion”.