A Chama da Ascensão

início

Quinta-feira, 13 de Fevereiro de 2020

How Distinction Bias Is Tricking You into Making the Wrong Choices

How Distinction Bias Is Tricking You into Making the Wrong Choices.

Lauren Edwards-Fowle.

learning-mind.com

Posted February 12th, 2020.

image source

We all like to think we are in control of our decisions, but these are often influenced by many factors around us, leading our thought processes in one direction.

What is distinction bias?

Distinction bias is the influence of making a choice when presented with two similar options side by side simultaneously. This is a tactic often used by retailers, who display a system of ‘good, better and best’ products alongside each other.

It may be that the best product is manufactured to the same standard and performs the same as the good product. However, the price differential creates a perception of quality and drives the customer to buy the more expensive item.

This applies to many scenarios where your own instinctive choice is interrupted by a comparable which makes you reconsider.

How does it affect relationships?

If you find someone really attractive and enjoy spending time with them, it would be natural to consider taking things further. You aren’t presented with a raft of options to compare against one another. You are guided by your feelings, emotions and instinct.

However, if they are introduced next to their twin who is slightly taller and perhaps better dressed, would you still proceed with your intuitive response to get to know your initial crush? Or, would you subconsciously start comparing them with another person simply because they are standing next to each other?

Can it change the way we treat people?

It most certainly can, and does. A great example is that of behavior comparisons. This happens most around people you know well, such as your child or your spouse. You have a preconceived idea about their personality, and how they behave. This means that when something out of the ordinary happens, you immediately start comparing their actions or words with their everyday persona.

Examples of distinction bias in real life

Situations which you would consider perfectly acceptable in anybody else become the kindle for an argument. For example, you have spent a lot of time choosing your child’s party fancy dress outfit and think they look fabulous. You take lots of pictures and are really proud. Then you take them to a party, and some of the other kids have outfits much more elaborate than yours. Are you suddenly feeling a little inadequate, or that you should have made more effort?

Why? Five minutes ago you were glowing with pride!

The same can apply to working alongside a spouse. In their everyday life, they are friendly, amiable and easy-going. When you work together on a project, you find them bossy, loud and controlling. In actuality, any other professional leading a project in the same way would be fine with you. However, because it is your spouse, and you are now seeing them contrasted with their persona at home, you find it irksome and annoying.

Why? They’re a great professional doing their job!

Can we avoid being influenced by distinction bias?

Yes, we can – being aware that it exists, and that we are all susceptible to being influenced is important in so many ways. The old cliché of the grass being greener on the other side rings true. However, it is human nature to analyze our choices more carefully when we have another, perhaps ‘better’ option available, which might negate our happiness with our gut instinct.

Often, taking a step back from making a decision and being able to rationalize and think about the choices we make – or are about to make – is a great way to avoid making a poor choice without having really understood why.

If you are buying something and have set yourself a budget, try to remember that. Don’t be driven by the glossy packaging of a product which is marketed in a way to influence you to spend more money than you need to.

Where does distinction bias most affect us?

One of the biggest places within modern life where distinction bias causes negative effects is social media. Every platform presents the user with multiple images, people and products all displayed side by side.

This scenario creates a situation where we are constantly making comparisons and scrutinizing which person, or which product, is ‘the best’. This culture of comparison leads to toxic emotions such as jealousy, resentment, and lack of self-worth.

Remember that social media is a place where every person and company showcase the very best of themselves. Individual images or captions are highly unlikely to be indicative of daily life.

There is a growing movement to be more conscious of the alternate reality which is presented online. Particularly where influencers or celebrities target adverts manipulating the fears of groups of people, there is new legislation being introduced to regulate this. It can be all too easy for a young impressionable person to feel bombarded with pictures of beautiful, slim strangers. They might feel that they look differently and become convinced that they are not worth as much.

In this situation, it is extremely powerful to remember that this is another symptom of distinction bias. There is absolutely no need to compare your visual identity to that of anybody else. Looking at each part of your life in direct comparison with others is not a healthy way to make life choices.

How can we live our lives free of cognitive bias?

In reality, it is probably impossible to never allow any outside influence to impact our way of thinking. Salespeople love to think they ‘can’t be sold to’, but we all respond to factors in a human way.

Being mindful of your thoughts, how much pressure you put on yourself to make a decision, and analyzing why you are making a choice are all simple ways to keep on track. Being accountable for your decisions, particularly organizational or financial ones that impact your family, can help you to rationalize your actions and keep your focus on what you set out to achieve without deviating.

References:

Lauren Edwards-Fowle

About the Author: Lauren Edwards-Fowle

Lauren Edwards-Fowle is a professional copywriter based in South East England. Lauren worked within Children's Services for five years before moving into the business sector. She holds an MSc in Applied Accountancy and BSc in Corporate Law. She now volunteers within the community sport sector, helping young people to live healthier, more productive lifestyles and overcome the barriers to inclusion that they face. With a keen interest in physical wellbeing, nutrition and sports, Lauren enjoys participating in a variety of team sports in her spare time, as well as spending time with her young family and their dog Scout.

Compiled by http://violetflame.biz.ly from:

https://www.learning-mind.com/distinction-bias-decision-making/

Archives:

Previous * All Posts

 
More @ http://violetflame.biz.ly 
and https://rayviolet.blogspot.com/
Also  @ https://twitter.com/nai84003316 
and https://www.facebook.com/mel.tavares.75
 

A Trusty with Privacy Search 
Alternative to Google
startpage.com

Alternatives to YouTube
brighteon.com
BitChute Channel
 
 

No religious or political creed is advocated here.

Organised religion is unnecessary to spirituality.

Excellent teachings of the masters have been contaminated by the dogmatic control of these religions.

Discernment yes; judgement does not.
If you use discernment you are free to research with an open mind.

With discernment it is possible to reach the spirit of the letter of any writing and it is also much easier to listen to the voice of the soul that comes from the heart.
Individually you can be helped to find your Truth that is different of everyone.

Please respect all credits.

Discernment is recommended.

All articles are of the respective authors and/or publishers responsibility.

Like this! please bookmark. It is updated daily

(email:nai@violetflame.biz.ly)

PT: a chama ~ Israel ou Cazária!? ~

ES: LLAMA VIOLETA

EN: VioletFlame

North Atlantic Islands

PayPal

trafficbot.uk/

Create your own visitor map!

tags: cognitive bias, decision making, lauren edwards-fowle, perception, personality tests, relationships, self-improvement, self-knowledge, social media

publicado por achama às 01:50

link | comentar | favorito

Terça-feira, 11 de Fevereiro de 2020

The Cult of Spiritual Materialism: Have You Become Its Victim?

The Cult of Spiritual Materialism:

Have You Become Its Victim?

Becky Storey.

https://www.learning-mind.com/

February 10, 2020

.
image source

Spiritualism is growing in popularity as we seek more answers and comfort in these trying times. Unfortunately, no everyone is following the spiritual path for the right reasons, or in a genuine way. There is no correct way to practice your spiritualism, but there are certainly incorrect ways. Spiritual materialism is being actively encouraged at every turn.

If you’re taking on a new, enlightened path, chances are that you’ve already come across a few traps. Spirituality teaches us self-forgiveness and a non-judgemental attitude, though. Apply these principles when considering whether you have become a victim of spiritual materialism. We can all be swayed easily at times.

What Is Spiritual Materialism?

A person becomes spiritually materialistic when they develop materialistic and shallow desires in the pursuit of spirituality. The ego tends to use spiritualism for its own gain, to fulfill the need to be special or interesting.

Our egos are the parts of our identities created by external influences, like comments from others, possessions, and achievements. This conceited part of us takes advantage of spirituality. We are in an era of “new-age spiritualism”, where the original traditions are being forgotten and replaced with modern ideas – and not always good ones.

Spiritually materialistic people are likely to be using the popularity of spiritualism to boost their own sense of self. Living a spiritual kind of lifestyle gives some people a feeling that they are above others, sometimes even God-like. Instagram “gurus” are popular but are, in fact, benefitting from spiritual materialism.

If your spiritualism requires the rest of the world seeing it, sponsorships and merchandise, then it’s likely not spiritualism at all. It’s pandering to a market the world seems to want right now.

We’re often sold “tools” to further our spiritual journey, but these things only add to the materialism. True spiritualism happens within and doesn’t require external resources. We convince ourselves that we need “things” to boost our connection with the spiritual realm, but these things only boost our ego and decay our self-awareness. We show off our possessions like trophies, to compete with others to prove who is the most spiritual.

Why Is Shallow Spirituality a Problem Today?

Spiritualism is a deep and personal experience. It is all about finding your inner strength, inner truth, and inner peace. When you add materialism into the mix, it becomes shallow and superficial.

Being spiritual has become fad-like these days and proving how spiritual we are is becoming a competition. You might notice more people are attending retreats or workshops and posting about it all over social media. Surely, this undermines the purpose? Spiritualism teaches us to be happy with ourselves and not compare our lives to others. A truly spiritual person does not need to use their experiences for attention, their experience is sacred and personal.

Aside from using spiritualism for materialistic gain, some people also use it to rid themselves of their troubles. True spiritual gurus encourage the use of spiritualism to become comfortable with suffering. Spiritual materialists assume that methods such as yoga and meditation will prevent ever having to experience hardship.

This is not realistic and not what the original spiritualists had intended. Spiritual practices are there to have you develop self-awareness and learn to be peaceful even in times of trouble. Spiritual materialism encourages the avoidance of suffering, which closes us off from the world – a total contrast to genuine spiritualism.

Arguably the most concerning problem with spiritual materialism is that it leads to cultural appropriation and fetishization of particular countries. Backpackers head off to countries like Thailand, India, and Vietnam to “embrace” the spiritual culture. Unfortunately, these people tend to pick and choose the traditions they like and ignore those they don’t.

This can be offensive to the traditional spiritualists who devote their lives to religions like Buddhism. Spiritually materialistic people travel to these countries to take photos posing in front of sacred monuments – instead of respecting the culture’s wishes.

Are You a Victim of Spiritual Materialism?

There are a few ways to tell if you’ve fallen victim to this superficial, materialistic spirituality. Approach the idea with an open mind and a judgment-free attitude. If you notice elements of yourself reflected in the signs, forgive heavily and correct gently. Spiritualism only ever teaches self-improvement for your own gain, not to compare yourself to others.

Shopping

There is no part of spiritualism that encourages money spending. You should be able to practice spiritualism no matter your financial status. Whether it’s expensive retreats or small trinkets, no genuine spiritualist would require any external “tools”.

Traditional spiritualists would shudder at the notion that you have to spend your money to be a “better” spiritualist. Some teachings, like apps and books, might require payment, and while they’re great additions, they aren’t essential. There are plenty of free resources out there provided by true believers who want spiritualism to be accessible to everyone.

Sharing

We love oversharing on social media, but we love to show off even more. For example, the Instagram hashtag #spiritualist is filled with odd quotes and unrelated selfies. It’s cool to be spiritual, and this leads to people sharing it more than they practice it.

You might have fallen victim to spiritual materialism if you spend time wondering how you can curate your posts to appear more spiritual. The spiritual journey is a personal experience and doesn’t require you to share it with others.

Forcing

It is possible to overdo it on the meditation. Spiritually materialistic people tend to force themselvesinto practicing spirituality even when their minds and bodies don’t really want it. This is because they want to be the most spiritual, and surely you can’t do that if you don’t put in the hours?

Spirituality should be a journey you take at your own pace, through thought and self-discovery. Some critics even mention hallucinogenic drugs as a part of spiritual materialism, as users tend to force and expect epiphanies. You should be able to reach enlightenment and understand your true purpose without any outside help, it is within you.

Spiritual materialism is easy to fall into in this modern world.

We’re told we need stuff in order to be the best, but no one tells us there is no best. Take your new spiritual journey in your own stride and always remember that everything you need is already with you. No amount of force, travel or excessive practice will bring it to you any faster. Focus on your own thoughts and your own progress.

References:

Becky Storey

About the Author: Becky Storey

Becky Storey is a professional writer who has been passionate about the way we think and the human mind since she developed chronic anxiety many years ago. Now she loves to write and educate people on mental health and wellbeing. When Becky is not writing, you’ll find her outside with her Labrador, sitting behind a jigsaw puzzle, or baking something with too much sugar.

Compiled by http://violetflame.biz.ly from:

https://www.learning-mind.com/spiritual-materialism-cult/

Archives:

Previous * All Posts

More @ http://violetflame.biz.ly 
and https://rayviolet.blogspot.com/
Also  @ https://twitter.com/nai84003316 
and https://www.facebook.com/mel.tavares.75
 
A Trusty with Privacy Search 
Alternative to Google
startpage.com

Alternative to YouTube
brighteon.com

Discernment is recommended.

All articles are of the respective authors and/or publishers responsibility.

Like this! please bookmark. It is updated daily

(email:nai@violetflame.biz.ly)

PT: a chama ~ Israel ou Cazária!? ~

ES: LLAMA VIOLETA

EN: VioletFlame

North Atlantic Islands

PayPal

trafficbot.uk/

Create your own visitor map!

tags: becky storey, behavior, consciousness, ego, food for thought, meditation, self-improvement, social media, society, spirituality

publicado por achama às 04:40

link | comentar | favorito

Sexta-feira, 7 de Fevereiro de 2020

Avaaz just uncovered a massive scandal.

Avaaz.org.

February 6th, 2020

While our world is burning, YouTube is spreading climate denial videos to millions of people! Our report is making headlines, but we know these tech giants won’t act urgently unless they see their public brand at risk and advertisers speaking up. That’s where we come in! Let’s flood YouTube and their advertisers with our report findings, surround their headquarters with billboards, and keep up the pressure until YouTube and all social media giants stop spreading lies to millions!

Avaaz has just uncovered a massive scandal: While our world is burning, YouTube is spreading climate denial videos to millions of people!

And it gets worse: They're making money off it...

We just released our report and YouTube is feeling pressure from the media. But we know that these tech giants won’t act urgently unless they see their public brand at risk and major advertisers speaking up.

That’s where we come in!

Let’s flood YouTube and their main advertisers with our report findings, then take our call to EVERY major social media company, their employees and regulators, and keep up the pressure until they stop spreading lies to millions!

Join this call from around the world. Sign now

When searching for “global warming” and “climate change” Avaaz researchers found that the YouTube algorithm was throwing up misinformation videos that racked up millions and millions of views. The videos claimed that “global warming is a hoax”, scientists are wrong and blaming humans for it is a “scam”!

It’s not just YouTube. Most social media’s algorithms are programmed to maximise time spent on their platform, even if that means millions of people watching crazy conspiracy theories and blunt misinformation.

The Guardian, TIME, and influential media outlets across the world have reported about our findings -- but if we let go now, the media wave might die down and things could go back to normal. We can’t allow that to happen.

So lets up the ante, by showing YouTube and other social media giants that millions want them to act urgently. We’ll get their advertisers as well as their employees on board to make them change course. Sign now, then read our report and share it with all your friends:

Join this call from around the world. Sign now

This movement is made up of millions of citizens who believe in and fight for a better world. Avaazers from every corner of this planet funded our investigation into climate disinformation, and helped us create this huge media wave and opportunity for change. We've become a leading voice in this global defence of truth because whether its climate change, public health or the future of democracy itself -- we need the facts to find the solutions that save us all.

With respect and gratitude,

Flora, Alaphia, Christoph, Anneke, Muriel, Nataliya, Fadi and the entire Avaaz team

More information:

Avaaz is a 55-million-person global campaign network that works to ensure that the views and values of the world's people shape global decision-making. ("Avaaz" means "voice" or "song" in many languages.) Avaaz members live in every nation of the world; our team is spread across 18 countries on 6 continents and operates in 17 languages. Learn about some of Avaaz's biggest campaigns here, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Compiled by http://violetflame.biz.ly from:

Flora Rebello Arduini - Avaaz <avaaz@avaaz.org>

Archives:

Previous * All Posts

 
More @ http://violetflame.biz.ly 
and https://rayviolet.blogspot.com/
Also  @ https://twitter.com/nai84003316 
and https://www.facebook.com/mel.tavares.75
 
A Trusty with Privacy Search 

Alternative to Google
startpage.com

Alternatives to YouTube
brighteon.com
BitChute Channel

 

Discernment is recommended.

All articles are of the respective authors and/or publishers responsibility.

Like this! please bookmark. It is updated daily

(email:nai@violetflame.biz.ly)

PT: a chama ~ Israel ou Cazária!? ~

ES: LLAMA VIOLETA

EN: VioletFlame

North Atlantic Islands

PayPal

trafficbot.uk/

Create your own visitor map!

tags: avaaz, climate denial, scandal, social media

publicado por achama às 01:48

link | comentar | favorito

Quarta-feira, 5 de Fevereiro de 2020

Cyberstalking: Examples, Tactics and How to Protect Yourself Online

Janey Davies.

https://www.learning-mind.com

February 4th, 2020.

img source

Stalking in any form is insidious and menacing. However, cyberstalking takes this kind of threatening behaviour to frightening new levels.

The internet has evolved to become the place in which we communicate effectively and quickly. For the vast majority of us, it is a safe and pleasant place to inhibit. But for others, it can cause untold terror and misery. So what exactly is cyberstalking?

What Is Cyberstalking?

It is any kind of unwanted attention, such as harassment or abuse, which takes place online. This can be via email, text messages, social media, even GPS tracking devices. It is basically stalking in the cyberworld.

This type of abuse can be directed at an individual, group or business. It tends to be prolonged, intimidating, and sustained over a long period of time. The problem with this type of stalking is that you cannot escape from it. It follows you everywhere. We all have smartphones, access to the internet. And we can’t just switch off.

Examples of Cyberstalking

Hacking into a person’s social media account to find personal information.
Creating a fake social media account to keep in touch with an ex-partner.
Sending hundreds of unwanted text messages or emails.
Posting explicit pictures of an ex-partner online.
Threatening to post nude pictures of an ex-partner online or to friends and family.
Hacking the person’s social media account and posting rude messages as that person.
Using your social media account to post malicious rumours about a person.
Sending spiteful or discrediting emails to a victim’s place of work to damage their reputation.
Hacking into a victim’s computer looking for explicit material to exploit to family and work.

Unfortunately, modern technology has made it extremely easy for stalkers to progress to online stalking. The other problem is that, particularly in view of identity fraud, many people lay their lives wide open on social media. Some people think nothing of posting the most intimate details of their lives online for the whole world to see.

For example, when we go away on holiday, we take steps to ensure our mail is not piling up when strangers can easily see it. We stop milk deliveries. In addition, we set up lights to come on and off at certain times of the day and night. However, we think nothing of posting holiday pictures on Instagram while we are away.

So we have seen examples of cyberstalking, but what tactics do cyberstalkers use to harass their victims?

Tactics a Cyberstalker Will Use

Social engineering

This is a method of manipulation. The cyberstalker will trick the victim into giving up private information. Also known as phishing; this could be by means of planting a virus via email. Another method is cold calling and asking for the victim’s date of birth, etc.

Bad acting

Here the cyberstalker will impersonate someone the victim already knows. Or they will create a fake identity to befriend the victim or the victim’s family. The reason to do this is to exhort money, embarrass, harass or distance the victim from friends and family.

Doxing

Many cyberstalkers will take advantage of the mass of intelligence you can glean online. There are various sources, including Open Source Intelligence (OSINT). This is known as Doxing. As such, there is a mine of readily available public records, databases and search engines for anyone to find online.

Skilled Hackers

The cyberstalker can use a skilled hacker or learn the techniques themselves. Skilled hackers have a multitude of means to gain access to your devices. One simple way is to plant a GPS tracker in your car. This then pings a message to your phone whenever it moves. In actual fact, more skilled hackers can access your computer’s webcam and microphone. As a result, they’ll then monitor your movements and conversations.

Likewise, smartphones are hacked in the same way. The cyberstalker can not only track where your phone is but also clone it. In addition, they can also spoof a phone that is known to you and use it to extract information.

Examples of Victims

Reasons for cyberstalking can vary depending on the perpetrator. A jealous partner can cyberstalk their ex to intimidate them into returning to the relationship. Or to stop them from moving on with their lives.

Jealous ex-partners

One woman living in Glendale, California had noticed she kept accidentally ‘bumping’ into her ex-boyfriend in the most unexpected places. These places ranged from coffee shops, the airport, even the cemetery. She was suspicious and then saw him underneath her car early one morning. He had planted a GPS tracking device in her car which sent signals to his phone. This allowed him to track her every move. When she spotted him, he was in the process of changing the battery.

A second woman was murdered after her stalker was able to find her by using online technology. The man paid an online investigations firm just $154 to find out this woman’s place of work. He went there and shot her. No one at the agency asked why he wanted the information.

Another woman went to the police after several men began contacting her from a local dating site. All the men were looking for casual hookups. All of her personal information was readily available on the online dating site.

Identity fraud

When we think about identity fraud, we automatically assume it is all about money. That the fraudsters want to gather information about their victims in order to scam them into parting with savings. Of course, in many cases, this is true. However, some identity fraud cases are much more complicated.

A journalist writing for Wired.com recounts how her stalker turned to the internet after repeated attempts failed to connect them in the real world. This cyberstalker spoofed her email accounts.

This allowed him to impersonate her online. He sent her hundreds of texts, called her relentlessly, all without her responding. She blocked him on all her social media. However, he ramped up the stalking by attacking her professional career. The police were unable to help as it was not deemed to be a serious threat to her life.

So are there any statistics on the victims of cyberstalking?

Statistics on Cyberstalking

As cyberstalking is a relatively new crime, statistics are rare and not easy to come by. But a national advocacy group has found the following:

50% of all victims were ex-partners of the stalker
More than 50% of cyberstalkers are male
The majority of victims are Caucasian
Most of the victims are aged between 18 and 29 years old
Over 30% of cyberstalking starts on social media

How to Protect Yourself Against Cyberstalking

Thankfully, cyberstalking is now regarded as a serious crime. So if you think you are being stalked online, go to the police and report it. In the meantime, here are some tips and guidelines to protect yourself now and in the future.
Use good security protection software to prevent infections from viruses or attacks from infected websites.
Never allow someone physical access to your computer or smartphone.
Create strong passwords for each and every one of your accounts and change them on a regular basis. Don’t share them with anyone. Moreover, don’t use pet names or names that are easily guessable from your social media profiles.
Log out from your computer programs every time you step away from the screen on your PC, laptop and smartphone. Don’t just close the page down.
Use the privacy settings on your social media account properly. This ensures that no one knows your date of birth, where you live, your email address or your phone number.
Don’t tag photographs with your location. Hackers can tell a lot more than just the location from the metadata attached to the picture.
Try Googling yourself using different name combinations to see what information is readily available. If you find that sensitive information is online, contact the website and have it removed.
If a relationship ends, change the passwords on everything you have online. This includes social media accounts and bank accounts.
Don’t be provocative with people you don’t know online. For instance, you wouldn’t go into a pub and start an argument with strangers. Don’t assume it is safe to do so online.

Final thoughts

A lot of advice regarding cyberstalking is common-sense. Use the same safety measures in real life that you would online. For more complicated cases, get the police involved.

References:

Janey Davies

About the Author: Janey Davies.

Janey Davies has been published online for over 8 years. She is the head writer for Shoppersbase.com, she also writes for AvecAgnes.co.uk, Ewawigs.com and has contributed to inside3DP.com. She has an Honours Degree in Psychology and her passions include learning about the mind, popular science and politics. When she is relaxing she likes to walk her dog, read science fiction and listen to Muse.

COPYRIGHT © 2019 LEARNING MIND. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. FOR PERMISSION TO REPRINT, CONTACT US.

Compiled by http://violetflame.biz.ly from:

https://www.learning-mind.com/cyberstalking-examples-tactics-protect/

Archives:

previous * All Posts

More @ http://violetflame.biz.ly 
and https://rayviolet.blogspot.com/
Also  @ https://twitter.com/nai84003316 
and https://www.facebook.com/mel.tavares.75
 
A Trusty with Privacy Search 
Alternative to Google
startpage.com

Alternatives to YouTube
brighteon.com