Communication Archives

How to Define Bullshit: Is It Just a Modern Term for Rhetoric?

What does “bullshit” mean? Is it just another word for misinformation? Is it different from rhetoric? According to professors Carl T. Bergstrom and Jevin D. West, bullshit is defined as the use of misleading evidence to persuade an audience. They emphasize the importance of the phenomenon’s intent and how it’s put into operation. Read more to understand how to define “bullshit” according to Bergstrom and West in their book Calling Bullshit.

Bullshit Media: The Wild Propagation of Lies in the News & Online

Does it feel like you can’t keep up with all the misinformation out there—much less refute it? Are you stuck in an echo chamber? Bullshit can exist in any era. But, Carl T. Bergstrom and Jevin D. West contend that two components of contemporary society—the internet and the mainstream media—are particularly potent vehicles for spreading bullshit. Keep reading to understand the phenomenon of bullshit media.

The Observation Selection Effect: A Handy Tool for Bullshitters

How much damage can improper data collection create? How can manipulators leverage it for their own advantage? In Calling Bullshit, Carl T. Bergstrom and Jevin D. West contend that bullshit often arises when data-based arguments rely on flawed data. They explain how the observation selection effect is an example of this and show how some people take advantage of it to deliberately deceive others. Continue reading to learn about the observation selection effect and how it can wreak havoc.

Calling Bullshit: The Art of Skepticism in a Data-Driven World

Do you know bullshit when you see it? What do you do about it? Should you call it out? With the proliferation of misinformation online, in the news, and even in academia, the modern world is replete with nonsense and flat-out lies. In their book Calling Bullshit, Carl T. Bergstrom and Jevin D. West contend that anyone can learn how to detect and refute bullshit in its many forms. Continue reading for an overview of this book that’s more important than ever.

How to Call BS: 3 Practical Strategies for Refuting Bullshit

When you recognize lies and misinformation, do you call them out? Do you have the guts to do it but lack the skills to counter false claims? Carl T. Bergstrom and Jevin D. West acknowledge that identifying bullshit alone isn’t enough to mitigate its spread. To that end, they share several techniques for calling bullshit so that others don’t fall for it: Construct a reductio ad absurdum, provide counterexamples, and use clarifying analogies. Read more to learn how to call BS and keep misinformation at bay.

How to Build a Community: The 3 Building Blocks

Have you ever wondered how to establish a new community? What kind of guidelines does a community need? Building a community requires establishing the fundamental components that bring your community together. In The Art of Community, Charles Vogl defines what a community is and discusses the three basic building blocks of a community. Keep reading to learn how to build a community that brings people together.

How to Choose a Special Place for Community Meetings

Why are community meetings necessary? How can you find a meeting place that will suit your community’s needs? In The Art of Community, Charles Vogl explains that every community needs a meeting place. This is where members can come together, enjoy each other’s company, and help each other pursue goals based on their shared moral code. Check out the factors that go into making a community meeting special.

4 Writers’ Exercises to Spark Ideas & Strengthen Your Writing

How can you keep your readers from missing your message? How can you get nearly anyone interested in an essay about prairie grasses? Whether you’re writing an email or a novel, you want to compel your readers and get your message across. The following writers’ exercises will help you achieve unity in your writing, infuse your writing with humanity, find your own Paris (inspired by Ernest Hemingway), and practice using the pyramid structure. Continue reading to dive into these exercises and strengthen your writing.

How to Build Connections With Others Through Lore & Emblems

Does your community have a sense of identity? Do you know how to build connections with others? There are a few key characteristics that enhance connections between community members. In The Art of Community, Charles Vogl discusses the value of sharing community lore and explains how emblems and keepsakes foster a sense of belonging. Find out how to build connections with others through these elements of communities.

The 3 Types of Lore Shared by Communities

What’s community lore? What are the three types of lore that community members can share with one another? Lore is a collection of traditions and knowledge that are typically passed through stories. Sharing community lore can enhance the connection between members of a community by helping them understand each other and their morals better. Learn more about the types of lore your community can share.