Should we believe the experts? (Part II)
In the first part of this blog, we discussed how one should be skeptical and ask questions when they read a piece of news or watch a documentary. In this second and final section, we want to discuss what you can do if you are asked to take an action based on a story that someone else wrote. We want to make it clear that there is no one right way to handle these things and that every person will react differently in their respective situations, but we encourage readers to think about the most effective way they would use these skills in their lives.
(A) Cognitive Dissonance:
When you are asked to take an action that contradicts your values, beliefs, or morals it can create a cognitive dilemma known as cognitive dissonance. This happens because they don't want to change their viewpoints but they also want to help the people or causes highlighted in the piece you read. For example, a person might watch a really emotional and touching documentary about how people are suffering from AIDS in Africa. They could see this as someone who is suffering and in need of help and perhaps send some money their way. However, they are not necessarily going to hang a picture of a bunch of Africans with their pants around their ankles as an inspiration. So, when this person decides to take action in the interests of the Africans by sending money, they are faced with cognitive dissonance because these people are not going to be happy with them. The people highlighted in the documentary will see this action as another example of how foolish and uncaring people can be. This condition can prevent people from changing their perspectives and helping others for fear that others will no longer like them.
(B) Fear Of Rejection:
On social media sites like Facebook, comments sections can be particularly intense. If you look at the news and see a story about someone's life, you will probably want to contact them, get their side of the story and give your feedback. However, if someone forwards you an article that tells a similar story in which they are featured, they might hesitate. They don't know this person very well. Their own life is not perfect and they have moments that are difficult to talk about on social media platforms. These people can be afraid of being seen as fake or too self-serving. So, instead of posting their own comments and responses on these articles, they might decide to read several other comments before posting anything. If they don't see anyone else offering advice or making any comments, they might simply move on.
(C) Social Media:
With the explosion of social media sites there has been an increase in comments on articles that people read. We have all seen posts in which people are asked to take some kind of action based on a news story that they have read. The problem with this is that the information might be incorrect and could lead to a lot of negative consequences. In fact, this is happening more and more every day because it feels safe to use these sites without negative consequences. So, if you see a post in which someone is telling you to do or stop something, just consider this before you take action.
(D) Individualism:
If people have the belief that they are independent of society and the governments and societal norms they do not like, they might act against their beliefs and try to rebel against what they have been told. For example, someone might be unhappy with their government and choose to be an illegal immigrant in order to feel as though they are free from what they perceive as a bad government. They would rather live as an illegal person than obey the rules of the country where they were born.
(E) Fear Of Losing Trust:
If people have a lot of trust in society or the people they know and like, they can be very reluctant to take action based on what they read. For example, a person who has never been arrested might be reluctant to discuss with the police the details of a crime. They really trust their friends and family and would rather not share such intimate information with outsiders. This is true of anyone you know and you might not want to take action based on what they are telling you unless they are someone in your close circle or have your confidence so that you feel comfortable talking about these things with them.
(F) Fear Of Failure:
A lot of people are afraid to try new things. They would rather stay in their comfort zone even if it means doing something that doesn't make them happy. So, if someone asks them to try something or take on a task that requires some new skills, they could be very intimidated. They could feel as though they don't have the time or the energy to take on this project. They might feel as though they will fail and look stupid if they do this, so they would rather not even try and go back to their usual routine of feeling unhappy and unfulfilled.
(G) Fear Of The Unknown:
Sometimes people don't know how to handle situations that they have never before encountered. They might be afraid of your response to a question or request and they won't ask you. These people want to live in an environment where they feel safe and are willing to give up some of their knowledge, life experiences, and happiness in order to be accepted by society. They don't want their lives to change or make them unhappy so they would rather not ask questions that could potentially make others uncomfortable.
(H) Fear Of Rejection By Family And Friends:
People who have family members who have a history of addiction can be especially sensitive about anything related to drugs or alcohol. This can be a difficult thing to talk about so they might be reluctant to bring it up. They might avoid any kind of situation that involves alcohol or drugs like the plague. This type of thing is common among addicts who have struggled with alcohol and drug addiction. So, if you have a family member or friend who is afraid to talk about these issues, consider asking them what they are afraid of and what they don't like about these kinds of situations.
(I) Fear Of Being Judged:
People are afraid that their actions are going to cause them to look foolish, incompetent or stupid in somebody else's eyes.
Conclusion:
If you are reading this, you have a chance to make a difference. Please don't just ignore these people. They are not alone. They have a lot in common with other people who feel the same way and they need your help to get them through these tough times. If you can try to become involved in their lives and offer your support, an amazing thing can happen as these people will probably open up more and be much more honest with you. When they do this, chances are that you will gain a new friend or even a family member.