Tornado Alley (PROG)

[B402]

Don’t Let Google Fool You Into Thinking You’re an Expert

https://medium.com/illuminations-mirror/dont-let-google-fool-you-into-thinking-you-re-an-expert-d00cb298fb18

...........

Two Big Problems of the Dunning-Kruger Effect

1. It contributes to our divisive culture
America’s current culture is exceptionally divisive. Whether it’s politics or everyday issues, people seem to have lost the ability to speak civilly.

Some of that has to do with social media. People naturally communicate more aggressively online than in person.

But, I believe a big part of divisiveness has to do with the Dunning-Kruger Effect.

Google makes it easy to learn about any topic. This is especially true for the basics of any topic. What took months to learn in the old days can now be learned in a few hours.

The problem arises when people confuse Googling the basics with being an expert. When people overvalue their knowledge, it leads them to enter discussions with a closed mind. That makes it extremely hard to have a productive conversation.

2. We miss opportunities to learn

I strongly believe everyone has something they can teach others. It could be sharing a piece of knowledge or a unique perspective.

Going through life, missing out on all these amazing opportunities to learn would be sad. You never know when a certain life lesson will come in handy. Plus, there is no downside. You will never regret being too smart.

How To Avoid the Dunning-Kruger Effect

Avoiding this trap is simple once you know it exists.

1. Question yourself
Don’t assume you are right or that you know enough. Always double-check your logic.

It’s also important, to be honest with yourself. Are you enough of an expert to make the claims you are making, or would you do better learning a little more first?

2. Check your work
Have someone else check your work/logic. If you know an expert in the field, great. They can tell you if your understanding has any weaknesses.

If you don’t know any experts, it is still good to have someone look at your ideas. A smart friend can help point out any obvious blind spots in your knowledge or thought process.

Final Thoughts
The Dunning-Kruger Effect is not something you or I can solve. There are too many people who fall for it. But that doesn’t mean we have to be a part of the problem.

Avoid overestimating your knowledge and you’ll be smarter in the long run. And being smarter is never a bad thing.