Why Many Quora Users with Degrees Display Signs of the Dunning-Kruger Effect

Let's dive into a perfect example of the Dunning-Kruger Effect on Quora. A user with a degree is strikingly ignorant and persistently misinformed on the topic of Antifascism.

According to the Dunning-Kruger Effect, individuals with low ability in a certain domain not only display incompetence but also lack metacognitive ability to recognize their own incompetence. In this case, a user who has the audacity to discourse on such an moot topic is clearly not only unaware of their own ignorance but also refuses to acknowledge it.

The post in question is characteristic of straw man fallacy, simplistically depicting Antifascism as a dangerous entity without contextual understanding. Despite the fact that the Antifa decentralized movement seemingly disbanded years ago, this user is still using the term as a scapegoat to advocate his baseless beliefs.

The data backing up this argument is unambiguous. According to statistics, right-wing extremists have been responsible for a significant number of deaths since 1994, while Antifa has been documented to have committed none. This stark contrast is a testament to the reality that the movement targeted by this user is fundamentally non-violent in nature.

Antifascism, as an ideology rather than an actual organization, lacks a structured form. There is no official website, no physical headquarters, no leader, and no verifiable members. As such, the very idea of “joining” it is an absurd concept. This user, however, is continuing to propagate such fallacies, revealing a clear lack of skepticism toward self-evident misrepresentations.

This scenario elucidates the deficiency inherent in the Dunning-Kruger Effect: individuals in the Dunning-Kruger Society are the ones who are least likely to recognize their own shortcomings. In essence, the hallmark of this effect is the combination of incompetence and the inability to self-assess. This applies not only to Antifascism but far-reaching issues of misinformation and misunderstanding on various online platforms.

Lastly, it is important to admit that earning a degree has never been about scholarly excellence; rather, it is often a marker of perseverance and basic grounding knowledge. However, the completion of an education does not guarantee a clear grasp of complex issues. Too many users with degrees are quick to jump to conclusions, fueled by emotional biases rather than rational analysis.

Keywords: Dunning-Kruger effect, Quora users, academic qualifications, online misinformation, degrees