CNLP 591 | Sharon McMahon (@SharonSaySo) On How To Get People to Change Their Minds on Abortion, Gun Control, and Politics, How to Respond to Angry People With Extreme Opinions, & How Group and Tribal Identity Have Shifted
Aug 22, 2023
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Sharon McMahon, Instagram sensation, discusses strategies for changing minds on abortion, gun control, and politics. She shares tips for responding to angry people with extreme opinions and talks about the shift in group and tribal identity. They also touch on the challenges posed by AI and deepfakes.
Establish trust and credibility by presenting factual information and avoiding arguments on the internet to foster civil discourse.
Separate personal opinions from factual information and engage in conversations focused on finding common ground to foster constructive discussions on controversial topics.
Increasing awareness of the potential impact of AI and deepfakes on online discourse and democratic processes, and the need for vigilant evaluation of online content to ensure integrity.
Deep dives
Importance of Trust and Integrity in Discourse
Trust and integrity are crucial in fostering productive conversations and disentangling personal beliefs, politics, and identities. It is essential to establish trust with the audience and be seen as a credible and unbiased mediator. By presenting factual information, discussing court cases objectively, and avoiding arguments with strangers on the internet, an environment for civil discourse can be created.
Navigating Controversial Topics
Controversial topics such as gun control and election integrity require careful consideration. When discussing such issues, it is vital to separate personal opinions from factual information. Drawing conclusions based on a thorough examination of evidence and engaging in conversations focused on finding common ground can help foster constructive discussions.
The Impact of AI and Deepfakes
As AI and deepfakes continue to develop, there is growing concern about their impact on online discourse. Deepfake videos and AI-generated deceptive content can significantly influence public opinion and political elections. The potential for manipulation and misinformation calls for increased awareness and vigilant evaluation of online content to ensure the integrity of democratic processes.
The Importance of Preserving Relationships
Maintaining relationships is crucial even when faced with differing opinions. In order to influence others positively in the future, preserving the relationship should take priority over scoring points or winning arguments. By finding common ground and focusing on non-contentious subjects, it becomes possible to peacefully coexist with individuals who hold opposing beliefs. Instead of attacking someone's identity or beliefs, it is more effective to create an environment where people feel safe to consider other perspectives and make decisions on their own terms. By giving space for change that preserves dignity, true transformation and dialogue can occur.
The Impact of Social Capital and Lack Thereof
Extreme behaviors and online trolling often stem from individuals with little social capital and fulfillment in their personal lives. Many people engaging in such behaviors have experienced generational trauma or lack significant social connections. Engaging in contentious conversations or attacking someone's beliefs further deepens their belief and identity, making change unlikely. Recognizing that people's beliefs are closely tied to their identity is crucial in fostering constructive conversations. Approaching discussions with a genuine desire to listen, understand, and respectfully provide differing perspectives helps create an environment where change can occur without attacking someone's core identity.
Instagram sensation Sharon McMahon (@sharonsaysso) joins Carey to discuss how to get people to open up and change their minds about highly charged subjects like abortion, gun control, and politics.
Sharon outlines strategies for responding to angry people with extreme opinions and talks about how group and tribal identity have shifted in the modern era. Plus, Sharon McMahon and Carey talk about the real challenges AI and deepfakes will pose to truth in the future.
