Article

Ok. So a few of the terms found in the article were cognitive biases which include bandwagon effect. Basically, these shape how we view information, with the bandwagon effect, or believing something just because everyone else is, being an example of this. Confirmation bias is when we seek out information to confirm what we already believe (not a good idea). Next, base rate fallacy, which I had no idea what it meant before reading this, is when we favor our own experiences over information that we find through research. Annd finally, cognitive dissonance, which is basically when we discredit or don't believe information that is against what we believe.

With that said...One example of when I jumped on the bandwagon was in high school. My freshman year, seniors were selling tickets for access to the swimming pool and elevator in our school. So many of my friends fell for this, and I was starting to believe that there really was a pool that only upper classmen could get into. Turns out, there is no pool and there is no elevator. The school was only 1 story. Haha I felt so stupid!

As for the Department of Information, I think it is a good idea in theory. Obviously, as the author stated, it isn't going to fly. However, I do agree that we need some sort of system to help regulate what is fact and what is fiction a little better than what we have. It is extremely difficult to determine fact from fiction in even our news today! I just don't think that's right. I shouldn't have to do research on every story the news broadcasts to get the facts straight. I don't know, maybe I am just lazy.