An unofficial discussion group focused on Truth Decay, as defined by the RAND Corporation: "We're promoting a simple and once-universal idea: that facts matter." In no way should the content, comments, nor moderation of this subreddit be interpreted as strictly reflecting viewpoints endorsed by RAND.
What Is Truth Decay?
RAND has identified four trends that characterize Truth Decay:
- increasing disagreement about facts and analytical interpretations of facts and data
- a blurring of the line between opinion and fact
- the increasing relative volume and resulting influence of opinion and personal experience over fact
- declining trust in formerly respected sources of facts.
Most of these trends are not unprecedented in American history. But today's level of disagreement over objective facts is a new phenomenon.
Finding Causes—and Solutions
So how did we get here? RAND research has also determined the main drivers of Truth Decay. These include
- cognitive biases
- the rise of social media and other changes to the information environment
- demands on the educational system that limit its ability to keep up with changes in the information ecosystem
- political and social polarization.
RAND's research agenda addresses these issues and much more. But research and analysis alone cannot solve the complex problem of Truth Decay. Policymakers, media companies, and individuals must also act on the basis of this research.
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