Unveiling Online-Idiocracy
In Defense of Formal Education
Introduction
In the age of digital connectivity, the internet has become an unprecedented source of information, opinions, and knowledge.
People claim that traditional schooling is useless and believe they can gain better knowledge through online platforms, without realizing the deeper implications of this shift.
While the digital realm undoubtedly offers numerous opportunities for learning and growth, there is a growing trend of dismissing formal education in favor of online sources.
In this blog post, we will explore the idiocracy of blindly trusting online sources over formal education and highlight the importance of a balanced approach to learning.
Problem 1: Confirmation Bias
The online world is susceptible to confirmation bias, where individuals seek out information that aligns with their pre-existing beliefs.
This behavior can lead to the spread of misinformation and pseudoscience, contributing to the idiocracy phenomenon. The notion that school is meaningless often arises from a surface-level understanding of the education system.
They believe the formal education system does not encourage critical thinking and the evaluation of multiple perspectives, reducing the risk of falling into the trap of confirmation bias.
They believe it is rather the opposite…
This notion stems from the belief that one is schooled into becoming a mindless worker, not questioning authority, and this belief is only reinforced through Social Media, YouTube videos, and so on.
Instead of questioning the authority, they just found a new authority…
Formal education provides students with a foundation for personal growth, critical thinking, and decision-making. Something that many people believe they would receive from online resources.
Problem 2: They did not listen…
Some individuals may have failed to grasp the importance of attentiveness during their school years, leading to a lack of appreciation for the educational process.
They did not learn much in school because they failed to listen and then learn by themselves.
In a classroom setting, active listening fosters intellectual curiosity, encourages students to ask questions, and promotes meaningful interactions with peers and educators.
I have recently found out about some ex-class mates who are doing well in life as mathematicians, political scientists, engineers, and so on. Where do you think the curiosity to get to know more about these topics came from?
These guys listened and learned early on…
Problem 3: Focusing only on a known path
When we are in school, we do not know what we want to be when we grow up because we do not know about all the possibilities.
Schools offer a wide range of subjects, enabling students to discover their passions and interests. By exposing learners to various fields, formal education paves the way for informed career decisions and professional growth.
Many people focus on making money first.
They have to in most cases.
They want to make the most money and focus on a career that gices them exactly that. This overlooks the potential for self-discovery and personal fulfillment that formal education facilitates.
Making money is an easy concept to grasp. The benefits are also easy to understand. most people do not know why they would need to learn vector analysis — too bad!
Expertise in specialized fields like science and engineering will always be paid well. But this requires rigorous academic training and practical experience that cannot be replaced by mere online videos.
“The traditional method has its own benefits like face-to-face interaction and developing interpersonal skills and group learning, which are essential skills for the overall development of a student.” — Kitaboo
Conclusion
Education equips individuals with the tools to discern credible information from misinformation, fostering a well-informed citizenry capable of making rational decisions.
Without this foundation, people may fall prey to misinformation, leading to the proliferation of false beliefs and conspiracy theories. And we all know that the online space is a great breeding ground for misinformation and polarization.
Instead of blaming the education system, individuals should reflect on their own engagement and participation during their school years.
If they might have listened, they might have learned more…
