d3fault

> Perhaps we need to create a new degree program for, among other things, interpreting and reporting on press releases such that extremely basic facts and terms of art aren't mixed up.

I agree with this, but I think it needs to come from the other side. I personally think the scientific (community? world? sphere?) needs to step up and work on disseminating information to the general public in a way almost everyone can understand. Get rid of the middleman journalist who has to translate a press release or research paper that they probably don't understand, even if they had the time to look into it, into something the general public doesn't really completely understand either.

I also think this won't ever really happen, because the scientific community (imo) has a bit of an ego problem - same as the guy who makes themselves feel smarter by only explaining things using jargon.

There should also be more focus on critical thinking in middle and high schools, but that's a whole other can of worms.

> I suggest this binary positioning is a very American phenomenon

I really don't think so. Binary thinking is something I've personally noticed and thought about for a while, and I think it stems from the human brain just trying to simplify things. In most scenarios, it is far easier (and time efficient) to only consider the 2 extreme options rather than the entire spectrum of possible options, even if those two extremes are far worse than the alternatives.

Plus, I've seen Europeans do the same thing all the time [0]. Remember, polarization (which is really just an extension of tribalism imo) isn't an American condition, it's a human condition.

[0] I've lived in both the US and Europe

Fahrenheit 451 is a classic! I last read it in high school though, I definitely need to give it another go

What about the story appeals to you? When were you first introduced to the story?

I've only skimmed some the paper, but does it distinguish between _types_ of anime fans?

I think the people the non-fans are probably thinking of are more likely "weeaboos", or people who are so obsessed with Japanese culture that they completely reject their own (the ones in really cringey videos). However, there are so many more people now that are either more open to the medium or just openly enjoy it but aren't really as visible - I'd love to see a reproduction of this test with this distinguishing factor.

I've had a bit of a similar experience in reference to the mundane. As a kid, I absolutely hated doing the dishes or laundry (as most kids do). However, around when I turned 19 I started listening to music (sometimes a podcast) while doing the dishes and everything changed. I realized I can basically mentally automate the process of doing dishes, and almost completely shut my brain off. I'm a habitual over-thinker and usually quite anxious, so this was absolutely amazing for me. Its gotten to the point now where I almost get excited to do the dishes.

I personally don't consider what I was doing meditation, but I wouldn't be surprised if I accidentally mimic'd some meditation-like behaviors to aid in this.

> Interesting to note the lack of 'accountability' forced on him in this case however.

He got banned from all Academy events for 10 years

I usually have a max of 2 windows open with anywhere between 4 and 9 tabs open. We do exist!