"Critical Ignoring: Navigating Information Overload and the NFT Problem"

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Aug 14, 2023

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"Critical Ignoring: Navigating Information Overload and the NFT Problem"

Introduction:

In today's digital age, information overload has become a pressing issue. The platforms that control search and social media were built on a business model that thrives on our limited cognitive resource: attention. As a result, we are bombarded with an overwhelming amount of information, much of which lacks reliability and trustworthiness. While critical thinking is important, it is not enough to combat this problem. We need to develop the skill of "critical ignoring" - the ability to choose what to ignore and where to invest our attention. This article explores the concept of critical ignoring and provides actionable strategies to navigate information overload. Additionally, we delve into the growing problem of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) and its impact on artists and creators.

The Need for Critical Ignoring:

The digital world presents us with more information than all the world's libraries combined. However, a significant portion of this information comes from unvetted sources, making it challenging to determine its reliability. Moreover, investing critical thinking in sources that should have been ignored only serves to give attention merchants and malicious actors what they desire - our attention. Thus, critical ignoring becomes essential in regaining control over our attentional capacities.

Strategies for Critical Ignoring:

  • 1. Self-Nudging: In the digital world, we can become citizen "choice architects" by designing our informational environments in ways that benefit us. This involves consciously curating our digital feeds, unfollowing or muting sources that do not align with our values or provide reliable information. By taking control of our digital spaces, we can filter out the noise and focus on what truly matters to us.
  • 2. Lateral Reading: Professional fact checkers employ the strategy of lateral reading to establish the credibility of online information. Rather than getting entangled in the design and reports of a website, they quickly skim the content and cross-reference it with other reliable sources. Emulating this approach allows us to efficiently assess the trustworthiness of information without getting caught up in potentially misleading content.
  • 3. Do-Not-Feed-the-Trolls Heuristic: Online trolls and malicious users thrive on attention and engagement. By refusing to feed into their tactics, we can effectively ignore their disruptive behavior. Schools should teach new competencies that help students navigate this landscape, such as recognizing and reporting malicious activity, practicing empathy, and promoting positive online interactions.

The NFT Problem:

The rise of NFTs has introduced a new set of challenges, particularly for artists and creators. While NFTs offer the allure of uniqueness and ownership, there are growing concerns about the environmental impact and lack of consent from artists. Additionally, NFTs do not necessarily grant exclusive use or meaningful rights beyond the ability to sell them. This has led to artists setting their accounts to private to prevent unauthorized profiteering on their work. However, the responsibility should not solely lie on the artists. The industry needs regulation, and intellectual property and copyright laws must be updated to address the complexities of the digital age.

Conclusion:

To navigate the overwhelming amount of information and the challenges posed by NFTs, we must embrace the skill of critical ignoring. By consciously choosing what to ignore and where to invest our attention, we can reclaim autonomy and protect ourselves from the excesses of the attention economy. Additionally, it is crucial for individuals and policymakers to take action. Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

  • 1. Audit your digital spaces: Regularly review and curate your online feeds to ensure they align with your values and provide reliable information.
  • 2. Practice lateral reading: Develop the habit of quickly skimming through online content and cross-referencing it with trusted sources before investing significant attention.
  • 3. Advocate for regulation: Support efforts to regulate the NFT industry and update intellectual property and copyright laws to protect artists and creators in the digital age.

As the philosopher William James wisely said, "The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to ignore." Let us embrace critical ignoring as a powerful tool in our information-driven world.

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