3 ARTICLES RELATED TO SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
This week’s Psychology Update features three perspectives on Social Psychology related to social media and persuasion, persuasion techniques, and the application of Social Psychology to the workplace.
ARTICLE #1
TITLE
It’s True: False News Spreads Faster and Wider. And Humans Are to Blame.
DESCRIPTION
The article provides details of a number of studies including the MIT Media Lab study that examined whether “true” or “fake” news was circulated both faster and in greater numbers via Twitter. “People are the principal culprits, according to a new study examining the flow of stories on Twitter. And people, the study’s authors also say, prefer false news. As a result, false news travels faster, farther and deeper through the social network than true news.” This article is excellent in that it provides information on how the studies were performed and can be used as part of both lecture and discussion in Social Psychology regarding information dissemination, attitudes, and persuasion.
SOURCE
New York Times, March 8, 2018, by Steve Lohr
LINK TO RESOURCE
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/08/technology/twitter-fake-news-research.html
(Tiny URL) http://tinyurl.com/yctkypyv
ARTICLE #2
TITLE
18 Common Logical Fallacies and Persuasion Techniques
DESCRIPTION
The author of the article points out that many forms of social media are aimed at persuading the user to a particular side of an argument and mostly use techniques that are seriously fallacious. The author “compiled a list of 18 forms of persuasion techniques, illogical argumentation and fallacious reasoning that I (the author) commonly encounter in my (the author) use of social media. By learning about these devices, you will be more likely to recognise their use, avoid using them yourself, and better assess arguments presented to you.“ In terms of Social Psychology and Scientific thinking “…navigating this bombardment of information and process it appropriately requires not only attaining of knowledge, but also adapting in light of existing knowledge, through critical thinking.” The article can be used in both the beginning of the course around critical thinking and the scientific method as well as in the Social Psychology chapters related to persuasion techniques around social media.
SOURCE
Psychology Today, August 25, 2017, by Christopher Dwyer
LINK TO RESOURCE
(Tiny URL) http://tinyurl.com/yaaxxt8u
ARTICLE #3
TITLE
Lessons From Social Psychology To Apply In The Workplace
DESCRIPTION
Can Social Psychology be applied to the workplace and business? A resound YES is the answer. The author makes that case that there are lessons that can be applied, and these include: The Reciprocity Principle, Body Language, and Priming just to name a few. “Using the tools of social psychology can encourage personal and organizational success, help build community and cohesion and enhance the lives of the people that your business touches.” This article can be used in a discussion of applications of Social Psychology as well as careers. Further, frequently students may not understand real world applications — this article will be useful in that context.
SOURCE
Forbes Community Voice, March 6, 2018, Jeff Moss
LINK TO RESOURCE
(Tiny URL) http://tinyurl.com/yaxlzbk7
CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
•Begin with a discussion around the question: What is Social Psychology? What makes Social Psychology unique in the context of the other areas of Psychology? What do Social Psychologists study?
•What is PERSUASION? How do Social Psychologists study this area?
•How does the knowledge of Persuasion inform us regarding social media? According to the articles above, how are we to understand how fake news travels faster than truth in social media? What techniques are used to Persuade users of social media?
•Can Social Psychology be applied to the workplace? What are the benefits of understanding the principles of Social Psychology in the workplace?
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