We live in an upside-down world where ridicule is considered a refutation.  There’s usually an emotional appeal.  Very rarely is there an intellectual argument against the idea.  Some have even said this constitutes violence.  An emotionally charged reply doesn’t refute an argument.  It might buy some converts and convince people it’s a good reply.  This can only happen if education is bad, and it’s very bad.

The so-called news programs reinforce these replies.  You might actually think it’s a legitimate reply.  Then, the same absurd claim gets reported rather than point out that it’s not a legitimate argument.  They confirm what you thought you knew.  Of course, they will give off the appearance of a non-biased point of view.  It’s solidifying the echo chamber.  This is to ensure you never hear a proper counter argument.

There is a very limited scope of arguments.  It may even appear they are having a very lively debate.  They are, but as long as the debate remains within those parameters.  People are then free to choose which network they watch.  People might have a feeling of free speech.  Each network might report events differently.  This is a good conformation bias, but they always report and explain events within the set parameters.

It doesn’t matter which station you watch.  You’re in an echo chamber.  Not only are people in an echo chamber, they want to be in one.  It’s easier to get people to go along with emotional arguments rather than logical ones.  That is why so-called arguments are things like slogans and cliches.  People want to have their biases confirmed.  These simple-minded slogans are easily believed and repeated.  Those stuck in the echo chamber are now part of it.

People have to waste time on explaining these ridiculous slogans and unverifiable assertions rather than discussing other issues.  It’s usually believed even after it’s been debunked.  It might be that it’s easier to remember a slogan.  If it’s easier, it’s usually not better.  What’s harder for you, might be the right thing.  Being connected through the internet seems like we could bust out of the echo chamber, and we could, but it’s largely been a prison.

Reference

Gary Michuta; Revolt against Reality