Why The World is Getting STUPIDER| The Stupidity Pandemic ~ PhiloNautica (Video)

[corbe]

Why The World is Getting STUPIDER| The Stupidity Pandemic

PhiloNautica

73,442 views  May 15, 2025  #Stupidity #Misinformation #CriticalThinking

In recent years, the world has experienced a troubling decline in critical thinking and intellectual humility, giving rise to what some call a "stupidity epidemic." This isn’t a sudden drop in intelligence, but rather a gradual erosion of our ability to think independently, reason logically, and question what we’re told.

One major factor driving this decline is blind tribalism. Humans naturally gravitate toward groups for identity and safety, but in modern society, this instinct manifests as intense “us vs. them” mentalities. People cling to their group’s beliefs, even when those beliefs are obviously flawed, because belonging feels safer than thinking critically.

Another force is the rise of digital echo chambers and engineered distraction. Modern tech platforms are designed not to inform but to maximize engagement by feeding users emotionally charged, simplistic content that confirms their existing biases. This environment discourages intellectual challenge, replacing thoughtful dialogue with viral outrage and shallow entertainment.

Compounding the problem is the Dunning–Kruger Effect — a psychological bias where the least knowledgeable people are the most confident in their opinions. In the digital age, uninformed voices often shout the loudest, drowning out experts and reasoned perspectives, while platforms reward confidence over competence.

Finally, the normalization of misinformation has led to a post-truth era, where emotional appeal often matters more than evidence. Misinformation spreads rapidly, undermining trust in science, institutions, and shared facts. As people retreat into ideological bubbles, society becomes more vulnerable to scams, delusions, and poor decision-making.

Altogether, these forces weaken our collective "cognitive immune system," making stupidity not just a personal issue but a systemic danger. The essay concludes with a warning: without conscious effort to reclaim critical thinking and intellectual honesty, society risks becoming increasingly irrational and divided.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeitXe63P7w

[Smokin Joe]

Before, dumb ideas from elsewhere only traveled as fast as the mail truck.

Now they travel at light speed.