Terraplanismo, Pós-Verdade e as promessas não cumpridas da modernidade | Mariana Alvim | TEDxGoiânia

Summary

This transcript delves into the rise of conspiracy theories, with a focus on flat Earth beliefs in Brazil. It highlights the growing spread of misinformation, the influence of social media, and the undermining of science and institutions in modern times. The piece touches on the impact of education, the challenges posed by fake news, and the societal consequences of ignoring scientific evidence. It stresses the importance of accessible knowledge, critical thinking, and trust in scientific institutions to navigate an increasingly complex and divided world.

Takeaways

• 😀 The rise of flat Earth beliefs in Brazil and globally has become a notable topic of discussion in both media and science.
• 😀 The speaker recounts the process of researching and writing about flat Earth theory in Brazil, highlighting the challenge of confronting deeply held beliefs.
• 😀 The internet plays a significant role in spreading misinformation, amplifying beliefs like flat Earth theory and other anti-science movements.
• 😀 Scientific literacy is crucial to combat misinformation, as many people are unaware of basic scientific principles like gravity and eclipses.
• 😀 There is a growing distrust in established institutions such as science, journalism, and government, which undermines public trust and decision-making.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the importance of universal access to education and information, as it is a privilege for many rather than a basic right in some countries.
• 😀 The influence of social media and digital platforms exacerbates the spread of fake news and conspiracy theories, with real-world consequences such as vaccine hesitancy and climate change denial.
• 😀 Historically, flat Earth theories have existed, with some proponents in the 19th century pushing for greater accessibility to knowledge, often challenging scientific elites.
• 😀 There is a concern that if the flat Earth movement and similar groups gain more influence, it could result in a more widespread rejection of scientific facts with serious consequences for public health and policy.
• 😀 To address the issues of misinformation and skepticism, the speaker calls for more inclusive, engaging, and empathetic approaches to education, technology, and media, ensuring everyone has access to a more informed future.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the script?

The main topic of the script is the growing influence of misinformation, particularly focusing on groups such as flat earthers, and how these beliefs are shaped and spread in modern society through the internet and the lack of access to quality education and information.

How did the journalist first get involved in reporting on flat earthers in Brazil?

The journalist became interested in flat earthers after writing a report in 2017 about groups in Brazil who believe the Earth is flat. The curiosity started after watching a TV report about flat earthers in the US, which led to the journalist discovering similar groups in Brazil.

What challenge did the journalist face when trying to report on flat earthers?

The journalist faced resistance from many flat earthers who were unwilling to speak, but some did agree to interviews. The main challenge was how to report responsibly on a group that goes against well-established scientific evidence.

What was the reaction to the journalist’s report on flat earthers?

After the report was published, the journalist received notifications on Twitter and messages from India, with people criticizing the decision to give visibility to such an extraordinary belief. There were also rude messages from flat earthers themselves.

What does the Datafolha survey reveal about the Brazilian population’s belief in the flat Earth theory?

The 2019 Datafolha survey revealed that a significant portion of the Brazilian population, about 9%, believes the Earth is flat, while 90% affirmed it is round, and the rest didn’t have a clear opinion.

What other issues related to misinformation are mentioned in the script?

Other issues discussed include the denial of the importance of vaccines, the rejection of human responsibility in climate change, the rise of fake news, and the increasing challenges to science, democracy, and the press.

How does the script relate the growth of misinformation to the internet?

The script highlights that the internet is the main communication tool for flat earthers and other conspiracy theorists, and it emphasizes that the full effects of this digital revolution are still not well understood. Researchers are trying to determine how the internet affects child development, education, and society in general.

What is the effect of lack of education on belief in misinformation, according to the script?

The script argues that a lack of access to education and information can lead people to fall for misinformation, as they might not be equipped to critically assess claims, such as those made by flat earthers. It stresses the need for greater access to quality education to reduce the spread of such ideas.

How are the concepts of science and elitism connected in the history of flat earther beliefs?

The script discusses how historical flat earthers, like Parallax and William Carpenter, associated science with elitism and encouraged the working class to conduct their own experiments, promoting the idea that knowledge should be more accessible and not reserved for an educated elite.

What does the script suggest about the challenges to trust in institutions like science, the press, and democracy?

The script points out that today, there is a lack of trust in essential institutions such as science, the press, and democracy, exacerbated by political attacks and misinformation. The rise of conspiracy theories, including flat earth beliefs, is seen as part of a broader challenge to established truths.