Ep 297: Raising Skeptical Thinkers

Alex Edmans, author of May Contain Lies, delves into how
confirmation bias and belief polarization skew our perceptions,
offering tips for parents to help their teenagers navigate
misinformation and think critically.


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Full Show Notes





In today's digital world, misinformation spreads faster than
ever. Even as adults, we often find ourselves believing things
that aren't true or are more nuanced than we think. The issue
becomes even more critical when considering how we raise
teenagers to be discerning and truth-seeking individuals.


How do we guide teens to differentiate fact from fiction in a sea
of misleading information? How can we teach them to critically
evaluate the plethora of claims they encounter daily—whether in
social media, news, or even school? The ability to critically
question and analyze data is a vital skill, and it’s more crucial
now than ever.


To delve into the complexities of misinformation and how to
tackle it, we're speaking with Alex Edmans, a professor of
finance at London Business School. Alex's TED Talk, "What to
Trust in a Post-Truth World," has resonated with millions, and
his book, May Contain Lies, explores how biases impact our
understanding and decision-making processes. With a keen focus on
both finance and everyday life, Alex offers deep insights and
practical advice on how to navigate a world filled with skewed
information.


Understanding Confirmation Bias


Confirmation bias is a significant issue that affects how we
process information. Alex highlights that we often accept
information that aligns with our pre-existing beliefs
uncritically, while scrutinizing information that contradicts our
views. This is prevalent not just in finance and economics,
Alex's fields of expertise, but also in everyday topics like
parenting and healthcare.


For instance, Alex describes how widely accepted recommendations
like exclusive breastfeeding may not be as beneficial as we
think. While these claims are backed by reputable sources like
the World Health Organization, they may overlook other
contributing factors like socio-economic status and family
support systems. By critically examining the research and
understanding its context, we can make more informed decisions
and avoid unnecessary guilt.


Tackling Black and White Thinking


Another prevalent bias Alex addresses is black and white
thinking, where we categorize things as entirely good or bad with
no gray areas. This kind of thinking is aided by simple, extreme
messages that go viral on social media but often lack nuance.
Alex illustrates this with the example of the Atkins diet, which
gained popularity for its extreme stance on carbohydrates, even
though it oversimplifies the role of carbs in a balanced diet.


For parents, understanding and combating these biases can help in
guiding teenagers to see beyond black and white categorizations.
Encouraging them to reason through their beliefs and understand
the nuances can foster more critical and balanced thinking.


Solutions: The Ladder of Misargument


To help teenagers and parents alike navigate misinformation, Alex
introduces the "Ladder of Misargument," a framework that breaks
down common types of misinformation into four categories:
A statement is not a fact: Understand the
context and accuracy of the information.Facts are not
data: Ensure the facts are representative and not
isolated.Data is not evidence: Look for causation,
not just correlation.Evidence is not proof:
Recognize that evidence may not be universal or applicable in all
contexts.

Creating a Culture of Inquiry and Dialogue


Encouraging skeptical thinking in teenagers isn't just about
teaching them to question authority but creating a culture where
it's safe to ask questions and express doubts. Alex discusses how
a high-power hierarchy can stifle honest communication and the
flow of ideas. By reducing hierarchical barriers and fostering
open dialogue, whether in families or workplaces, we can create
environments where critical thinking thrives.



Parents can also model this behavior by openly discussing their
thought processes and demonstrating how to critically analyze
information. Encouraging teenagers to explain their viewpoints in
detail can help them see the limitations of their own
understanding and foster a habit of thorough investigation.


In the Episode…


Alex shares a wealth of insights on how to cultivate critical
thinking and avoid common pitfalls of misinformation. Tune in to
learn about:


How sports results can mysteriously affect the stock market

The importance of asking detailed questions and listening

Ways to foster healthy debate within families

How to identify and mitigate common biases in everyday
decisions



If you enjoyed this week’s episode, you can find more from Alex
on his website, alexedmans.com, or follow him on LinkedIn under
the username A Edmans. Don’t forget to share and subscribe, and
we’ll see you next week!





Sponsored by Equip: Eating disorder treatment
that works—delivered at home. Visit equip.health/talking for more
information, and a free consultation.