I thought about your question and when it comes to misinformation, it seems like positive bias works in a similar way. For example, I have a positive bias towards Bangalore. It is quite likely then that I will 'trust' Bangaloreans more, even if they don't deserve it! If I'm not aware of my biases, I might believe the 'fake news' from a Bangalorean more than I might believe the 'fake news' from a person from Delhi.
Ah well. You have hit upon an interesting question for me. Most journalism is about critiquing and so-called “negative” aspect”, which we journalists defend by saying that it is negative stuff that impacts us, especially related to politics, fake news and polarization. Others says “why only focus on the negative”.
In any case, I don’t see the need to update this for two reasons: first, because anyone coming to this article will already see your comments and my replies. And second because this is only one in a series of pieces on biases.
You have spoken so far about "negative" biases. How about "positive" biases?
For example, I have a very positive bias towards Mumbai (its people, its products, its culture...)
I thought about your question and when it comes to misinformation, it seems like positive bias works in a similar way. For example, I have a positive bias towards Bangalore. It is quite likely then that I will 'trust' Bangaloreans more, even if they don't deserve it! If I'm not aware of my biases, I might believe the 'fake news' from a Bangalorean more than I might believe the 'fake news' from a person from Delhi.
Got it .... But perhaps you need to mention this in your article? Instead of going on only about the negative aspects of biases? ?
Ah well. You have hit upon an interesting question for me. Most journalism is about critiquing and so-called “negative” aspect”, which we journalists defend by saying that it is negative stuff that impacts us, especially related to politics, fake news and polarization. Others says “why only focus on the negative”.
In any case, I don’t see the need to update this for two reasons: first, because anyone coming to this article will already see your comments and my replies. And second because this is only one in a series of pieces on biases.
However, I will think about what you said and see where a piece on “positive bias” will fit in. Thanks for your thoughts!
Thanks for the "positive" response!! ;-)