The perception that common sense is not as common as it used to be can stem from several factors:
- Information Overload: In today's digital age, we're bombarded with vast amounts of information from various sources. Sorting through this information overload to discern what's relevant and reliable can be challenging. This abundance of information can sometimes overshadow basic common-sense principles.
- Complexity of Modern Life: Society has become increasingly complex, with rapid technological advancements, globalization, and societal changes. Navigating this complexity requires not just common sense, but also specialized knowledge and critical thinking skills. As a result, what constitutes common sense in one context may not be applicable in another.
- Cultural and Social Differences: Common sense is often shaped by cultural norms, social conventions, and personal experiences. In a diverse and interconnected world, what seems like common sense in one culture or community may not be universally understood or accepted by others.
- Polarization and Information Bubbles: With the rise of social media and personalized news feeds, people can easily gravitate towards sources of information that confirm their existing beliefs and biases, creating echo chambers or information bubbles. This can lead to a lack of exposure to diverse perspectives and alternative viewpoints, potentially eroding common-sense reasoning.
- Erosion of Critical Thinking Skills: In an era of instant gratification and quick answers at our fingertips, there may be less emphasis on developing critical thinking skills and deeper analytical reasoning. As a result, individuals may rely more on surface-level information or intuitive judgments rather than engaging in thoughtful analysis or logical reasoning.
- Distrust in Institutions and Authority: Growing distrust in institutions, experts, and authority figures can contribute to skepticism towards commonly accepted principles or advice. This skepticism may lead people to question what constitutes common sense and to seek alternative sources of information or guidance.
While these factors may contribute to the perception that common sense is less common nowadays, it's important to recognize that common sense is not static and can vary based on context, culture, and individual perspectives. Encouraging critical thinking, promoting media literacy, and fostering empathy and open-mindedness are essential in nurturing a society where common sense is valued and practiced.
