this post was submitted on 19 Aug 2026
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My folks have come to the conclusion that since the media can twist any data or studies however they like, then there's no way to know what the science actually proves. So they believe nothing. Unless it's something that agrees with what they already believed.
Unless! Unless it is something that directly affects them! My mother has gone all in on the ADHD and autism studies in the past decade or so, since it turns out these are common in herself, her children, and grandchildren. Yet she can't understand or accept someone not being cishet.
There's a lot to say about this. To a degree they're not wrong but their conclusion is insufficient. I find information arbitrage to be a more useful practice as well as being aware on how to determine the veracity of information aka a single case study isn't as strong as a meta study including hundreds or thousands of studies and cases. Most laypeople never learn how to measure the veracity of scientific research or data.
Similarly to the second part, most people are equally unaware of default human behavior (we all suffer) such as confirmation bias.
I find some luck in reframing issues from trying to prove them right to trying to prove them false as a good scientist is supposed to do. There's a hypothesis and one is supposed to do their hardest to destroy it and if it still stands then there is likely something true there. Similarly in things I differ with someone in I find it better to reframe it from a conflict towards something like the Socratic method in which we are partners working together to discover truth.
Another aspect of humanity is that all of us are guaranteed to get older before dying but it's up to us to grow up, aka become more wise and compassionate. Someone can reach 80+ years of life and be as ignorant and self centered as they were the day they came out of the womb.
A soft touch, particularly with individuals you love and know you will continue to interact with across life is best. Reframing things towards a mutual goal is key aka we all want the world to be a happier, healthier, and more prosperous place for ourselves and ideally all others. A small shift in perspective can totally change an interaction or an ongoing dynamic between people.