The beauty of Twitter is that anyone can talk to an expert. Even conspiracy theory believers, as in this thread.https://twitter.com/DrCraigMc/status/946858478588620801 …
And the ugly side of it is that it doesn't matter to many people — "Well I'm not wrong," they conclude (shortly before "Yawn good night"), wallowing in their ignorance instead of taking the opportunity to learn something new or improve their thinking...
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I mean, if anything ever demonstrated the problems of the "deficit model" of public understanding of science (the idea that you just need to give people information to make them more rational, understanding, etc.), this little thread does it quite well!
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Asking Alex Wellerstein if you know or is it still classified who carried the second half of the critical-mass for Trinity?The 4star carried
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My understanding is that only one carrying case was used for the pit. Trinity core was not critical mass except under specific circumstances (high density, high reflection, high moderation, etc.) and would have been safe in specialized carrier.http://blog.nuclearsecrecy.com/2014/03/28/plutonium-box/ …
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I believe a controversial exchange always leaves both participants with valuable knowledge and new viewpoints, even if they don't realize it.
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There is actually evidence in the case of anti-vaxxers (and probably others) that giving them good, reliable information actually *hardens* their resistance to the truth.http://theconversation.com/throwing-science-at-anti-vaxxers-just-makes-them-more-hardline-37721 …
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It seems this strongly relies on the context in which you measure their reaction, are they still affected by the emotional pressure of the conflict, or is it a neutral setting? https://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/backfire-effect-not-significant/ … Would be interesting to have a study that measures long term reactions.
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I’m just here for the cool facts I don’t know enough to actually contribute yet hopefully someday though
Thanks. Twitter will use this to make your timeline better. UndoUndo
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More sad- this person trusts tv and googling more. No amount of argument from shark experts can convince her that the US government isn't covering up the existence of the megalodon. It reminds us how important the consumption of Pop sci is.
Thanks. Twitter will use this to make your timeline better. UndoUndo
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