It’s all in the numbers

Back in the dark ages (in other words … before electricity), the best way to spread misinformation was print. Basically if it was printed in some form or other it must be true. Before that it was even easier … one just had to say it with authority. But as humanity became more tech savvy, the purveyors of so-called truth evolved. First it was radio, then TV. Nowadays it is of course … the internet. If it is seen online, it must be true.

But for those who doubt slightly, there is an added tool or two to add to the verisimilitude of the information being shared. I apologize for using such a big word, but it adds to MY  verisimilitude. First of all, if a visual aide is added (picture or video), then whatever is being shared is without a doubt 100% true. Add to that a quote that may or may not be by someone famous, and now we are talking at least 150% truth. But to really ensure that there is no doubt, all we need to do is add some statistics, and the thruthiness will gain levels of 200% … or even MORE. Seriously, how can ANYONE doubt the facts if it is based on a picture, a good quote AND statistics?

To prove how effective this is, I took a poll to see how many people actually believe the effectiveness of polls. My results can be seen below:

"stats"

 

What is there to doubt about the above? Abraham Lincoln was a man to be trusted. And EVERYONE I asked did feel the same way about polls. Off course a few minor details are left out, such as the fact that Abraham Lincoln just might not have really been all that knowledgable about the internet, and the only person I presented the poll to was myself. But this graph and quote says it all, so why be bothered by such minor inconsistencies?

By the way, does anyone actually remember how to think anymore? Just curious.