Ep 289: The Art of Detecting Teen B.S.

John Petrocelli, author of The Life Changing Science of Detecting
Bullshit, explains how parents can identify when their teens are
bullshitting and how to raise teens who critically evaluate the
information they encounter.


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


Full Show Notes


As teenagers grow and seek more independence, they can sometimes
wield sophisticated tactics to avoid responsibility or twist the
truth to their advantage. This behavior, often dubbed
“bullshitting,” can make the challenging task of parenting even
more complex. But how can parents distinguish between harmless
exaggerations, outright lies, and simple bullshit?


In today’s fast-paced and information-saturated world, parents
must not only navigate their teen's emerging independence but
also teach them to identify and resist bullshit from other
sources. Teens today are bombarded with information from social
media, peers, and other influences, making it crucial for them to
develop robust critical thinking skills. But how can we ensure
that they are equipped to navigate this complex landscape
effectively?


Enter John Petrocelli, author of The Life Changing Science of
Detecting Bullshit. John is not just a researcher but an expert
who has delved deeply into the concept of bullshit,
differentiating it from lying and studying its impacts on
individuals and society. With over a decade of empirical research
under his belt, John’s work provides invaluable insights into how
parents can better detect bullshit and teach their teens to be
critical thinkers.


Understanding Bullshit


John introduces us to the nuances that differentiate bullshitting
from lying. While both bullshitting and lying involve deception,
the bullshitter often doesn't care about the truth—they aim to
sound knowledgeable or impressive irrespective of the facts. This
indifference towards the truth can have severe implications,
influencing our beliefs, memories, and critical decisions.


John shares fascinating findings from his research, including how
people are more prone to bullshit when they believe their
audience lacks expertise or won’t scrutinize their claims. This
is where parents can start: by fostering an environment where
claims are questioned and critical thinking is actively
encouraged.


Why Bullshit Matters


Many parents might underestimate the significance of their teen’s
bullshit, thinking it’s benign or non-malicious. However, John
highlights how unchecked bullshit can cloud judgment, lead to
poor decision-making, and have lasting negative impacts. It’s
essential for parents to stay vigilant and model skepticism, not
to erode trust, but to nurture an atmosphere where truth and
logical evaluation are paramount.


Teaching Critical Thinking


In the episode, John shares actionable tips for parents to
encourage their teens to become critical thinkers: 



Ask Questions: Encourage teens to think
through claims by asking them, “Is that true?” or “Why might
that be incorrect?” 


Model Skepticism: Show by example how to
question information and sources without being cynical. 


Create a Safe Space: Allow your teen to
discuss their ideas and beliefs openly, ensuring they
understand it’s okay to be wrong as long as they’re committed
to finding the truth. 



John also emphasizes the importance of teaching teens to
recognize their own susceptibilities to bullshit, which can come
from a desire to fit in, sound knowledgeable, or alleviate
awkwardness. By making critical thinking a fun and engaging
activity, parents can help teens sharpen their bullshit detection
skills without feeling attacked or dismissed.


Tackling External Bullshit 


Teens today are also vulnerable to external bullshit from
influencers, social media, and even certain educational
resources. John encourages parents to: 



Discuss Case Studies: Go through dubious
claims seen on social media together and break down why they
might be misleading or false. 


Encourage Fact-Checking: Teach teens how to
verify facts, check sources, and look for credible evidence
before accepting claims as true. 




Daily Practice


To make critical thinking an integral part of daily life, John
suggests engaging in exercises that involve scrutinizing everyday
statements and testing claims. This can start with simple
issues—like evaluating advertising claims—and build up to more
complex discussions, such as analyzing political statements or
media reports.


In the Episode…


John and I explore a host of additional topics, including: 


Why experts aren’t always right 

How to constructively challenge bullshit without causing
conflict

The relationship between confidence and bullshit
susceptibility

The role of personality traits in bullshitting
tendencies 



By the end of this episode, you'll have gained valuable insights
into fostering a bullshit-free environment and empowering your
teenager with the critical thinking skills needed to navigate
today’s world effectively. Don’t forget to subscribe to Talking
to Teens for more expert parenting insights!


Tune in to this enlightening discussion and share it with fellow
parents to help them navigate the tricky waters of teenage
bullshit and critical thinking.





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