Man did not let article length prevent him from having fully formed views
LAKESIDE — A local man has formed strong opinions on a complex geopolitical situation based entirely on a headline he scrolled past on social media, sources confirmed Monday.
The man, who does not typically follow international affairs, encountered the headline at approximately 7:43 a.m. while using the bathroom. Within seconds, he had developed a comprehensive worldview on the matter that he has since shared with family, coworkers, and 340 strangers online.
“It’s really not that complicated,” he explained, confidently mischaracterizing a situation that has baffled diplomats for decades. “Anyone who actually pays attention can see what’s happening here.”
How The Man Formed His Strong Opinions
According to sources close to the situation, the man’s strong opinions developed through the following process:
First, he saw a headline that summarized a nuanced situation in approximately eight words. The headline was designed to provoke emotional reactions and drive clicks. It succeeded on the first count but not the second.
Second, the man did not click the article. However, he did read the first three comments, which were written by other people who also had not read the article. Consequently, his understanding is based on reactions to a headline by people reacting to the same headline.
Third, he searched his memory for related information and found a vague recollection of something his uncle said at Thanksgiving in 2019. This became the foundation of his analysis.
The Man Shares His Strong Opinions
“People don’t want to hear the truth,” the man posted on Facebook, following his statement with the truth as he understood it based on the headline. “But I’m not afraid to say it.”
His comment received 14 likes from people who also had not read the article but agreed with the sentiment. Additionally, it received three angry replies from people who had read the article and attempted to provide context, which the man dismissed as “propaganda.”
“If you actually do the research, you’ll see I’m right,” he responded, without specifying what research he had done beyond reading a headline and three comments.
Furthermore, the man shared the article to his timeline with the caption “THIS,” despite the article containing information that contradicted his interpretation of the headline.
Strong Opinions Now Permanent Part Of Worldview
Experts say that once strong opinions are formed, they become resistant to new information. The man is unlikely to revise his views even if presented with the full article, expert analysis, or primary sources.
“The opinion has bonded with his identity,” explained a psychologist. “Changing it now would require admitting he commented on something he didn’t read. That’s too much to ask.”
The man confirmed he has no plans to read the article. “Why would I? I already know what it says. It’s right there in the headline.”
At press time, the man was forming strong opinions about a different article based on a screenshot of a headline someone else had posted, with the added benefit of not even seeing the source.
About the Author
