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Why would it be bad if people can't differentiate between opinion and fact? What can that lead to in society? (LIB 101)

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Answer:

If people cannot differentiate between opinion and fact, it can lead to several negative consequences in society. Here are a few:

Misinformation: Without being able to distinguish between opinion and fact, people are likely to believe and spread misinformation. This can lead to confusion, fear, and distrust.

Polarization: When people can't differentiate between opinion and fact, they are likely to see their own opinions as facts and other people's opinions as false. This can lead to polarization and division in society, where people are unwilling to consider other perspectives.

Lack of critical thinking: Differentiating between opinion and fact requires critical thinking skills. If people are unable to do this, they may struggle to analyze and evaluate information, which can lead to poor decision-making.

Decreased trust in institutions: If people are exposed to misinformation and polarization, they may lose trust in institutions such as the media, government, and scientific organizations. This can be damaging to democracy and social stability.

Step-by-step explanation:

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