Bakersfield College Fireside Room hosted a discussion between panelists on how to navigate misinformation and biases during the holidays on November 19. The event was from 3 to 4 P.M. and guests were able to enjoy pizza and pies that were provided.
The event was led by BC librarian Laura Luiz, and featured Helen Acosta a communication professor, Faith Braham a reference librarian, Ruby Haro a mental health therapist, David Seymore LMFT a licensed mental health clinician, Erin Griepsma the director of student organization with the Bakersfield College Student Government Organization (BCSGA), Lisa Brown a SGA director of legislative affairs, and Lisa Harding a registered nurse.
Lisa Harding described how misinformation and personal biases can spread through personal connections and experiences. “Misinformation for me is… people tend to believe the person that gets to them first.” She stated, referencing a mentor.
She also goes on to say, “The concern with this misinformation is, it’s not based on sound facts, but sometimes based on feelings or experiences that someone had from their own perspectives.”
Adding to the discussion, panelist Helen Acosta emphasized the ways misinformation can spread, likening our brains to ‘recognition machines’ that pick up on patterns. She explained how our brains tend to attach themselves to any information that supports something that we believe in which in return releases dopamine hits that reinforce these negative patterns. She continued to reiterate, “It’s like a virus and so we get that attached to extra information that sneaks in and takes hold.”
When asked on ways we can disengage from a distressing conversation and setting boundaries Ruby Haro emphasized the importance of listening to our body cues. “It’s going to be important to check in with your body. When you are faced with distressing situations from others, of conversations, or a situation, your body is really good at letting you melt,” she said.
Haro also suggested a simple exit strategy phrase, “okay, I appreciate your input, I appreciate your perspective, but at this moment, I’d like to protect my mental wellbeing, let’s talk about something else.” In a world where misinformation spreads like wildfire it is up to us to question the information we receive and as Lisa Harding noted, “We all come at different things from our own perspective, but we also need to be able to filter through and say what is actually true.”