Neuroskeptic points to this paper In Science, Popularity Means Inaccuracy Large-Scale Assessment of the Effect of Popularity on the Reliability of Research and quotes:
“The more often a hypothesis is tested, the more likely a positive result is obtained and published even if the hypothesis is false. … We refer to this mechanism as “multiple testing effect”.
But really, assumptions don’t required even a random or a false scientific proof. For most of history the humanity devised schemes to cope with reality. Precisely because these assumptions are ridiculous, a constant flow of information or encouragement to validate the absurd is required. TV was such a challenge to the diverse superstitions because it was a mass definition of a culture that didn’t particularly care for the fringe predispositions. In comes the internet where you can crawl to your preferred corner of the ridiculous and validate your freak ideology all day and night long.
But the TV thinking is alive and well even on the internet. I read one of the popular marketing blogs that proudly proclaimed that you have to write what people want to read, not what you got to say. But of course, find the predictable middle and feed it mediocre assumptions to validate the views and ideas people already have. The most potent craving is to be proven right. Who wants to be told everything you believed and hold dear is a pile of crap. No one can bear that.
Further Reading:
Blogs – Public Remnants of a Dream
Leib Tropper and the Jewish Media Postmortem
Office Etiquette Prohibition on Politics and Religion
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