When the Mind Becomes Critical

 

                                               (image: youtube.com)

Pusilon deretso?

Dominique Nicole Flores of the Philippine Star reported: One of the three victims in the Antipolo road rage altercation-turned-shooting died a day after the incident, city police chief Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Manongdo confirmed on Monday, March 31, 2025.

The road rage incident occurred around 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 30, of this year when 28-year-old suspect, known by the alias “Kenneth,” was seen in multiple videos circulating online pulling out a gun after a fistfight.

Netizens quickly directed their anger towards the riders involved, while others who were outraged by the shooting condemned the shooter for resorting to such extreme measures, especially given that he also wounded his own wife. However, some individuals shifted their perspective after seeing the earlier part of the video, which also went viral on social media, leading to a shift in public opinion.

This raises an important question: Why are some people so deeply invested in social media posts? Can their judgment be swayed by what they see without taking the time to fact-check? And if so, what are the potential consequences of adopting this kind of mindset?

Several studies have explored the impact of social media on judgment and decision-making. For instance, Fogg et al. (2003) highlighted how easily users are influenced by online content, often without verifying its accuracy. This phenomenon is further discussed by Pennycook and Rand (2018), who found that individuals are more likely to believe misinformation on social media if it aligns with their pre-existing beliefs, especially when fact-checking is not prioritized.

Are their judgments and opinions influenced by their ability to engage in critical thinking?

Critical thinking allows people to assess information more thoroughly, question assumptions, evaluate evidence, and consider alternative perspectives. When individuals lack strong critical thinking skills, they may be more susceptible to biases, emotional reactions, and misinformation, which can distort their judgment. On the other hand, those who actively apply critical thinking are more likely to make informed decisions and form well-reasoned opinions, as they are better equipped to filter out unreliable or misleading information.

Amid the challenges educators face in fostering critical thinking in the classroom, they are confronted with a significant threat: the social environment itself often lacks these skills. At home, where many parents treat their mobile phones as extensions of their lives, critical thinking may take a backseat. With constant exposure to quick, hasty judgments and misinformation online, parents may inadvertently model poor decision-making for their children. In such an environment, attempting to cultivate critical thinking skills in learners may feel like a futile effort, as the foundation for these skills is often absent at home.

Videos of road rage and other violent content will keep circulating, drawing in viewers who are constantly exposed to them. Over time, this endless stream of disturbing material can numb people, making them less sensitive to the impact of what they’re seeing. Instead of sparking thoughtful reflection, these videos can desensitize audiences, normalizing harmful behavior and dulling their ability to critically engage with the world around them.