# Trump's lethal aversion to reading.

## The president's coronavirus response illustrates the perils of bibliophobia

https://theweek.com/articles/915606/trumps-lethal-aversion-reading # The President Who Doesn’t Read Trump’s allergy to the written word and his reliance on oral communication have proven liabilities in office. By [David A. Graham](https://www.theatlantic.com/author/david-a-graham/) https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2018/01/americas-first-post-text-president/549794/ Education, Not Income, Predicted Who Would Vote For Trump https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/education-not-income-predicted-who-would-vote-for-trump/ # The Psychology of Stupid The use of the word stupidity derives from the way Plato defined it in his dialogue, Sophist, and elsewhere: it is when a person supposes they know something that they do not know. It is a willful refusal to learn, typically because the person is already convinced they know something. That is stupidity. Aug. 24, 2015. [http://www.peterhfrank.com/the-psychology-of-stupid/](http://www.peterhfrank.com/the-psychology-of-stupid/?fbclid=IwAR1a_ar2XDw1u2TMdxRhLS9u6ohc_5KXMFjSW-oPlXo-1F8QX24rbM8I2Cs) # Trump Promotes Messiah Complex With Low IQ, Religious Voters https://www.newamericanjournal.net/2020/08/trump-promotes-messiah-complex-with-low-iq-religious-voters/ Trump supporters use less cognitively complex language and more simplistic modes of thinking than Biden supporters, study finds. https://www.psypost.org/2022/05/trump-supporters-use-less-cognitively-complex-language-and-more-simplistic-modes-of-thinking-than-biden-supporters-study-finds-63068 Trump speaks at level of 8-year-old, new analysis finds Mr Trump scores the lowest of any of the past 15 presidents. https://youtu.be/phsU1vVHOQI https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-language-level-speaking-skills-age-eight-year-old-vocabulary-analysis-a8149926.html # **LOW IQ AND CONSPIRACY THEORIES: A HAND IN GLOVE RELATIONSHIP** https://www.adamstaten.com/blog/2021/2/7/low-iq-and-conspiracy-theories-a-hand-in-glove-relationship # New study indicates conspiracy theory believers have less developed critical thinking abilities https://www.psypost.org/2021/07/new-study-indicates-conspiracy-theory-believers-have-less-developed-critical-thinking-ability-61347 # Trump supporters use less cognitively complex language and more simplistic modes of thinking than Biden supporters, study finds https://www.psypost.org/2022/05/trump-supporters-use-less-cognitively-complex-language-and-more-simplistic-modes-of-thinking-than-biden-supporters-study-finds-63068 # “EDUCATION, NOT INCOME, PREDICTED WHO WOULD VOTE FOR TRUMP” https://faculty.cah.ucf.edu/bbjanz/on-fivethirtyeight-education-not-income-predicted-who-would-vote-for-trump/ # Childhood reading skills linked to 'higher intelligence' in young adults (Or: No links to advanced reading skills found among MAGA supporters) A new study published in the journal *Child Development* finds that having strong reading skills as a child is a predictor for higher intelligence levels as a young adult. In previous studies, reading ability has been associated with improved health, education, socioeconomic status and creativity. The ability to read well can directly improve some of these factors. An example is that by being able to extract information from texts, individuals are better able to gain educational qualifications. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/280193 # What’s the link between intelligence and violent behaviour? by [Andrew Marty](https://sacsconsult.com.au/blog/author/andrew/) | Dec 20, 2016. The criminologist Brie Diamond from the University of Texas at Dallas made a very interesting discovery about prisoners in jail (Diamond, B. et al, 2012). She got hold of data about the intelligence of a large sample of prisoners in the US prison system. She identified cell blocks as high IQ, Medium IQ and Low IQ by averaging the [cognitive ability](https://sacsconsult.com.au/psychometric-testing/cognitive-ability-assessment/) of the prisoners in them. She found that: * Low IQ cell blocks had the greatest amount of violence * Medium IQ cell blocks had a medium amount of violence * High IQ cell blocks had the lowest amount of violence This bears out years of research showing this link in various ways in various workplaces. So, if you have a low IQ does this mean that you are violent? At an individual level, no, but in a population such as workforce it is a good idea to: 1. Test Intelligence and factor it into your hiring decisions. It is one of the best predictors of success and failure at work we have ever found. 1. Make sure all employees have non violent personalities, including characteristics such as low levels of anger, high levels of self control, and a liking and respect for other people. **[Click here to find out how](https://sacsconsult.com.au/psychometric-testing/).** https://sacsconsult.com.au/blog/whats-link-intelligence-violent-behaviour/ https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.3402/vgi.v3i0.14834 # Association between intelligence quotient and violence perpetration in the English general population Published online by Cambridge University Press: **30 July 2018** https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/psychological-medicine/article/abs/association-between-intelligence-quotient-and-violence-perpetration-in-the-english-general-population/AF21CE0AEDE9FFB0BC44AA1D059CF735 # **Donald Trump: 'I Could... Shoot Somebody, And I Wouldn't Lose Any Voters'** https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/01/23/464129029/donald-trump-i-could-shoot-somebody-and-i-wouldnt-lose-any-voters # Is the Association between General Cognitive Ability and Violent Crime Caused by Family-Level Confounders? Research has consistently found lower cognitive ability to be related to increased risk for violent and other antisocial behaviour. Since this association has remained when adjusting for childhood socioeconomic position, ethnicity, and parental characteristics, it is often assumed to be causal, potentially mediated through school adjustment problems and conduct disorder. Socioeconomic differences are notoriously difficult to quantify, however, and it is possible that the association between intelligence and delinquency suffer substantial residual confounding. ## Results Cognitive ability in early adulthood was inversely associated to having been convicted of a violent crime (β = −0.19, 95% CI: −0.19; −0.18), the association remained when adjusting for childhood socioeconomic factors (β = −0.18, 95% CI: −0.18; −0.17). The association was somewhat lower within half-brothers raised apart (β = −0.16, 95% CI: −0.18; −0.14), within half-brothers raised together (β = −0.13, 95% CI: (−0.15; −0.11), and lower still in full-brother pairs (β = −0.10, 95% CI: −0.11; −0.09). The attenuation among half-brothers raised together and full brothers was too strong to be attributed solely to attenuation from measurement error. ## Discussion Our results suggest that the association between general cognitive ability and violent criminality is confounded partly by factors shared by brothers. However, most of the association remains even after adjusting for such factors. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3404054/ # **Lying Changes the Brain** Now, *Scientific American* is telling us what else happens when we lie. They say a new study has found lying gets easier for humans the more they lie, because lying changes the brain! *Nature Neuroscience* reported a study of the amygdala, the part of the brain dealing with emotional responses. The researchers said the amygdala shows up less and less, as we lie more and more. Essentially, our guilt feelings tend to weaken and shrink. Also lies that helped the person telling the lie may draw even less response from the amygdala. Other researchers point out how much we dislike thinking of ourselves as liars. I have seen people do this, inventing elaborate justifications explaining why lying was the only way to handle a difficult situation. In the long run, it would have been better to just avoid lying in the first place. https://www.thejoint.com/california/chula-vista/eastlake-31125/202872-what-happens-to-brain-when-we-lie # What Is Conspiracy Theory Addiction? A conspiracy theory can be defined as the belief that a secret-but-influential organization or individual is responsible for a circumstance or event. People often think that these beliefs are rare or sometimes absurd, but research shows they may be more common than previously thought. A study found that about 50% of Americans believe in at least one conspiracy theory. Conspiracy theories come in all forms, but most theories involve political and social events. Some examples include the belief that certain celebrities are immortal vampires and controversial topics such as the belief that a small group of people are planning to overthrow the government. Often, one theory will have accompanying and sometimes contradictory conspiracy theories which can be dangerous if not challenged. On the other hand, it can be noted that some conspiracy theories have been proven to be true. With the increased popularity of conspiracies and exposure to information, it is possible to harm one’s [mental health](https://www.addictioncenter.com/addiction/dual-diagnosis/) and relationships by developing a conspiracy theory addiction. https://www.addictioncenter.com/drugs/conspiracy-theory-addiction/ # What Does Oppositional Defiant Disorder Look Like in Adults? ## An adult with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) may feel mad at the world, and lose his temper regularly — even daily. This may manifest as road rage or verbal abuse. It may cause tension with authority figures, and trouble at work. It may tear apart relationships. Here is what you need to know about oppositional defiant disorder and its overlap with ADHD. Janice Rodden By [Janice Rodden](https://www.additudemag.com/author/janice-rodden/)[Verified](https://www.additudemag.com/contact-us/adhd-medical-advisory-panel/)Medically reviewed by [William Dodson, M.D., LF-APA](https://www.additudemag.com/author/william-dodson-m-d/)Updated on July 11, 2022 https://www.additudemag.com/oppositional-defiant-disorder-in-adults/ ## About Adult Oppositional Defiant Disorder Oppositional Defiant Disorder is a developmental behavioral condition where a child continuously defies and disobeys their parents, teachers and other figures of authority. Pacific Solstice treats adults suffering from unresolved or undetected Oppositional Defiant Disorder. From argumentative to rage, a person’s personal and professional life can follow a pattern of disruption and chaos because the individual cannot seem to follow rules and is often aggressive and/or unkind. If your loved one displays this kind of malevolent behavior for longer than six months, they should be medically assessed for the condition. This is especially true if the behavior is disrupting their ability to function at school, home or in friendships. ## Why There Is Hope for Adult Oppositional Defiant Disorder Early treatment for ODD can prevent future problems in the person’s life. While there is no one-size-fits-all cure for the disorder, there are various forms of therapy that can improve quality of life and avoid further pain. ## Helping A Loved One with Adult Oppositional Defiant Disorder - Early Intervention Adults with ODD will find it difficult to make friends at school and get along with others. If you notice your loved one acting out aggressively, for longer than 6 months, it may be necessary to schedule an assessment. ## How We Treat Adult Oppositional Defiant Disorder ODD is understood to be a potential outcome of developmental problems, so various types of therapy may be necessary to address the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy is helpful in that it teaches appropriate tools of communication, especially in the expression of anger or fear. CBT also helps condition problem-solving tactics that can help men and women walk through anger and frustration. Even more, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness techniques help those who want to heal by gaining a sense of body, space and emotion without judgement towards self. A person with ODD can be distressing for their entire family. Spouses or parents may be frustrated because their loved one will not listen or they have been subject to physical violence at the hand of the affected person. Family therapy can help facilitate effective communication. Some research shows that ODD can be a result of too much negative reinforcement parenting. The individual knows that their disruptive behavior gets them attention. This pattern can carry into adult and geriatric stages of life. Family therapy can empower individuals to use positive reinforcement tactics and boundaries so that everyone is respected and safe. Group therapy is helpful when it comes to learning acceptable social behaviors in a real-world setting. Pacific Solstice will tailor your treatment plan and provide outlets for stress and worry. Finally, assessing gut health and neurotransmitter metabolites can bring insight into what specific imbalances may be causing behavioral issues. Treatment requires an integrative approach to ensure long-term safety for patient and family. ## What Ongoing Care Looks Like for Adult Oppositional Defiant Disorder It’s important for anyone with ODD to learn how to deal with anger and how to interact in social settings. Keeping a healthy treatment plan, complete with an ongoing network of mental health professionals, will ensure empowered living, rather than history repeating into further fear and worsening conditions. https://pacificsolstice.com/what-we-treat/adult-oppositional-defiant-disorder # Conspiracy Theories Have Much in Common. Their Differences May Hold the Key to Identifying When They Turn Violent. **Detecting Conspiracy Theories on Social Media** Improving Machine Learning to Detect and Understand Online Conspiracy Theories (**ROBO-BOT: DEAD OR ALIVE YOU'RE COMING WITH ME**) Conspiracy theories circulated online via social media contribute to a shift in public discourse away from facts and analysis and can contribute to direct public harm. Social media platforms face a difficult technical and policy challenge in trying to mitigate harm from online conspiracy theory language. As part of Google's Jigsaw unit's effort to confront emerging threats and incubate new technology to help create a safer world, RAND researchers conducted a modeling effort to improve machine-learning (ML) technology for detecting conspiracy theory language. They developed a hybrid model using linguistic and rhetorical theory to boost performance. They also aimed to synthesize existing research on conspiracy theories using new insight from this improved modeling effort. This report describes the results of that effort and offers recommendations to counter the effects of conspiracy theories that are spread online. ## KEY FINDINGS * The hybrid ML model improved conspiracy topic detection. * The hybrid ML model dramatically improved on either single model's ability to detect conspiratorial language. * Hybrid models likely have broad application to detecting any kind of harmful speech, not just that related to conspiracy theories. * Some conspiracy theories, though harmful, rhetorically invoke legitimate social goods, such as health and safety. * Some conspiracy theories rhetorically function by creating hate-based "us versus them" social oppositions. * Direct contradiction or mockery is unlikely to change conspiracy theory adherence. **Conspiracy Theories Have Much in Common. Their Differences May Hold the Key to Identifying When They Turn Violent.** Dec 22, 2021. Yasmin Green, William Marcellino **https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA676-1.html** **https://www.rand.org/pubs/external_publications/EP68794.html** # Social Media, Cognitive Reflection, and Conspiracy Beliefs A growing number of Americans stay informed about current events through social media. But using social media as a source of news is associated with increased likelihood of being misinformed about important topics, such as COVID-19. The two most popular platforms—Facebook and YouTube—remain relatively understudied in comparison to Twitter, which tends to be used by elites, but less than a quarter of the American public. In this brief research report, we investigate how cognitive reflection can mitigate the potential effects of using Facebook, YouTube and Twitter for news on subsequent conspiracy theory endorsement. To do that, we rely on an original dataset of 1,009 survey responses collected during the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic in the United States, on March 31, 2020. We find that using Facebook and YouTube for news increases conspiracy belief (both general and COVID-19 specific), controlling for cognitive reflection, traditional news media use, use of web-based news media, partisanship, education, age, and income. We also find that the impact of Facebook use on conspiracy belief is moderated by cognitive reflection. Facebook use increases conspiracy belief among those with low cognitive reflection but has no effect among those with moderate levels of cognitive reflection. It might even decrease conspiracy belief among those with the highest levels of cognitive reflection. **https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpos.2021.647957/full** # The Relationship Between Social Media Use and Beliefs in Conspiracy Theories and Misinformation Numerous studies find associations between social media use and beliefs in conspiracy theories and misinformation. While such findings are often interpreted as evidence that social media causally promotes conspiracy beliefs, we theorize that this relationship is conditional on other individual-level predispositions. Across two studies, we examine the relationship between beliefs in conspiracy theories and media use, finding that individuals who get their news from social media and use social media frequently express more beliefs in some types of conspiracy theories and misinformation. However, we also find that these relationships are conditional on conspiracy thinking––the predisposition to interpret salient events as products of conspiracies––such that social media use becomes more strongly associated with conspiracy beliefs as conspiracy thinking intensifies. This pattern, which we observe across many beliefs from two studies, clarifies the relationship between social media use and beliefs in dubious ideas. **https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11109-021-09734-6** # The COVID‐19 pandemic and the search for structure: Social media and conspiracy theories The study outlines a model for how the COVID‐19 pandemic has uniquely exacerbated the propagation of conspiracy beliefs and subsequent harmful behaviors. The pandemic has led to widespread disruption of cognitive and social structures. As people face these disruptions they turn online seeking alternative cognitive and social structures. Once there, social media radicalizes beliefs, increasing contagion (rapid spread) and stickiness (resistance to change) of conspiracy theories. As conspiracy theories are reinforced in online communities, social norms develop, translating conspiracy beliefs into real‐world action. These real‐world exchanges are then posted back on social media, where they are further reinforced and amplified, and the cycle continues. In the broader population, this process draws attention to conspiracy theories and those who confidently espouse them. This attention can drive perceptions that conspiracy beliefs are less fringe and more popular, potentially normalizing such beliefs for the mainstream. We conclude by considering interventions and future research to address this seemingly intractable problem. **https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8420120/** # When does an intellectual failing become a moral one? We live in divided times. And it often feels that today people not only hold differing viewpoints, but are also less charitable than they used to be, more likely to vilify and demonize those who think differently than they do. Anyone who disagrees with us is not just *different*, *misguided*, or *wrong*. They are *bad*. https://www.civic-renaissance.com/p/when-does-an-intellectual-failing Dietrich Bonhoeffer (executed by the Nazis in 1945) argued that s----d people are more dangerous than evil ones. This is because while we can protest against or fight evil people, against s----d ones we are defenseless — all reason falls on deaf ears. https://youtu.be/ww47bR86wSc