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How does technology influence our ability to achieve objectivity?

  • Philosophy -> Epistemology and Theory of Knowledge

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How does technology influence our ability to achieve objectivity?

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Gayla McIlwraith

In this day and age, technology has a significant impact on our lives, especially on the way we think and interact with the world around us. With the emergence of social media and digital technologies, we have access to vast amounts of information and data at our fingertips, which has both positive and negative consequences.

When it comes to achieving objectivity, technology can either enable or hinder our efforts. On the one hand, it can allow us to access a broad range of diverse perspectives, making it easier to see issues from all sides. On the other hand, it can also lead to a proliferation of bias and misinformation, making it difficult to distinguish fact from fiction.

One way that technology can influence our objectivity is by creating echo chambers, where we only consume content that reinforces our existing beliefs. This can lead to a confirmation bias, where we only look for information that supports our worldview, which hinders our ability to see things objectively. For example, social media algorithms are designed to show us content that aligns with our interests, based on our previous interactions on the platform. This customization can lead to a lack of exposure to opposing viewpoints and different perspectives, which can be detrimental to our objectivity.

Furthermore, the rapid spread of misinformation and fake news through social media can also have an adverse effect on our objectivity. Due to the sheer volume of information available online, it can be challenging to verify the accuracy of the information we consume. This can lead to the spread of false information, further entrenching individuals in their existing beliefs, and making it difficult to separate fact from fiction.

On the other hand, technology can also enable us to achieve objectivity by providing us with access to a vast range of perspectives and data points. With the click of a button, we can access multiple viewpoints on a given topic, ranging from different news outlets to academic journals, and expert opinions. This access to alternative perspectives can help to challenge our existing beliefs and widen our understanding of complex issues.

Additionally, technology has also enabled us to fact-check and verify the accuracy of information with ease. Websites such as Snopes and FactCheck.org enable us to confirm the accuracy of information quickly, helping us remain objective and informed.

In conclusion, the influence of technology on our ability to achieve objectivity is complex, as it can both enable and hinder our efforts. It is up to us as users to be aware of the impact of technology on our thinking and to be intentional about seeking out diverse perspectives to maintain objectivity. By doing so, we can use technology to broaden our understanding of complex issues and cultivate a more informed and objective perspective on the world.

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