Uncertainty, fear and Bullshitting
Prototypes for Anti-bullshit apps
There is a direct connection between uncertainty, fear, and bullshitting.
Bullshitting has more to do with how people and organizations communicate, not what.
Bullshitting is not the same as lying.
Social psychologist John Petrocelli (in a 2018 peer-reviewed paper) pointed out that developing an understanding bullshitting means analyzing organizational conditions where bullshitting is common, as well as trying to understand the psychology underlying why individuals communicate with little or no evidence to support their claims.
Added to this, he suggested, is the psychology behind why people accept bullshit without question. Think of self-esteem and wanting to feel belonging and acceptance.
One of the fundamental challenges, and links between bullshit spreading in organizations, is that it takes more effort and investment to call and question bullshit, than it does to remain quiet.
As Daniel Kahneman (professor of psychology and public affairs), our brains divide thinking into two systems. System 1 is quick, intuitive, and unconscious. System 2 is slow, calculating, and methodical.
Our System 2 brain processes are needed to question and call Bullshit. This takes more energy and effort than System 1.
Added to this, people who spread bullshit, often believe it. Offer up evidence to dispute their bullshit, and they double down.
Ask for evidence that supports their claims, and prepare for gaslighting. (granted we all know how ignition and methane combine).
Petrocelli has argued that people’s susceptibility and receptivity to bullshit — along with people’s and organization’s continued flood of bullshit — is a critical social issue.
Bullshit begets more bullshit and bullshitting.
More bullshit has a devastating impact on effective communication and sound decision-making.
The easier it is to bullshit, or launch bullshit initiatives, the more bullshit spreads and builds upon itself — like a Covid virus.
Over the last decade-plus, working as an administrator in public service, I have seen more bullshit than all bull-riding events over the same time period.
Calling bullshit, or at least running through a simple process of requesting evidence to support statements made, or initiatives launched, resulted in me leaving a few organizations.
One organization and Executive actually offered me bonus paid time off after I submitted my notice of resignation. With my resignation note, was a list laying out the number of initiatives that appeared to be, and smelled of bullshit, as they had little evidence to back them. Part of my role was the risk management portfolio for the organization.
Based on my roles and title, I had asked to see and hear about the evidence that was backing said initiatives. That apparently created quite a bit of discomfort for some in more senior leadership roles. “Disruptive” was the specific term used, if I’m recalling correctly.
With that in mind, I’m prototyping a couple of new apps. Image attached. These are highlighting some critical components coming out of a growing body of peer-reviewed literature and research on Bullshit. (link to one below).
The first app outlines some key mindset components to counter bullshit receptivity. Open to discomfort and disruption is right near the top of the priority list.
The second, is a few key ‘Actions’ that can assist in any Anti-Bullshit initiative or campaign.
Would love to read any feedback you might have.
#stopbullshit
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Reference:
Petrocelli, J. V. (2018). Antecedents of bullshitting. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 76, 249–258.