The think (here) Blog

The sum of our inputs online is often described as a FEED, but our FEED does not stop when we disconnect.  It permeates, even alters, every facet of our existence.

What we are about to dive into is far from a light topic.  There are two intertwined and complicated elements at play.  The first is how the brain itself operates, the second is the fact that most people don't realize how exactly this impacts their sense of reality.

We see the world exactly from the perspective we choose to.  Once we take a position (whether it is a simple argument, political stance, or even religious affiliation) our brain is designed to focus on/seek out only supporting evidence and patterns resulting in a blinding FEEDback loop.

As we work, read, purchase, watch, choose, and consume we subconsciously reinforce our beliefs, morals, and opinions no matter how valid, biased, or rational they are.

Take for example stereotypes: Jeff Hawkins illustrates this point to perfection from his book On Intelligence:

"Your culture (and family experience) teaches you stereotypes, which are unfortunately an unavoidable part of life... Prediction by analogy is pretty much the same as judgment by stereotype. Negative stereotyping has terrible social consequences. If my theory of intelligence is right, we cannot rid people of their propensity to think in stereotypes, because stereotypes are how the cortex works. Stereotyping is an inherent feature of the brain."

Hawkins says the way the brain operates is through prediction models based on pattern recognition. We see stereotypes because we are (subconsciously) looking for them. 

"Look for the ridiculous in anything, and you will find it." This simple saying pretty much sums up how the information we are looking for has an impact on our FEED. Where you seek out information, who you choose to listen to, and exactly how much weight certain facts hold are all self imposed elements.

At any given instant there is far more information swirling around than can possibly be consumed (Example: There are over 20 hours of content uploaded to Youtube every minute.) Bottom line: if you want to see the world in a certain light... the pieces are out there, ready and waiting for you.

It should be incredibly easy to grasp how this can in turn leave a negative impact on, well, just about everything (including business decisions).  It also explains how people on both sides of just about any political argument, moral debate, or anything in between think, feel, even believe deep down in their heart that they are on the right side of the argument. Their perspective is based on their FEED of inputs that reinforce their position.

Understanding that your perception of reality is built on a foundation of self imposed inputs may be a bit of a head trip. There is comfort in the space you have carved out for yourself, but ask yourself, really ask yourself:

What does my FEED look like, and how is it warping my perception of reality?

Be honest. 

If it is any consolation, tomorrow here on Tt(h)B we are going to provide 5 tips to take control of your FEED.

Image credit: aknacer