Really thought provoking article, Caroline. And the vicious cycle you explain whereby pushing AI can further alienate those who are already suspicious is going to be a tricky challenge for leaders to navigate. Does it help to explain the 'why' behind the decision more - or do people just attribute this the same as proffering the alternate (true) story behind the conspiracy theory?
Unfortunately not, because it comes down to 'who' is sharing the why - someone with authority, which is generally distrusted. It gets to a point where whatever you say is taken as evidence that conspiracy exists.
What helps instead is to get curious about that belief - where it's come from and how holding it is benefitting them - and help them find a sense of belonging with people who see things more rationally. So it's important not to denigrate or humiliate someone for holding these beliefs, because doing that makes them double down more.
Really thought provoking article, Caroline. And the vicious cycle you explain whereby pushing AI can further alienate those who are already suspicious is going to be a tricky challenge for leaders to navigate. Does it help to explain the 'why' behind the decision more - or do people just attribute this the same as proffering the alternate (true) story behind the conspiracy theory?
Unfortunately not, because it comes down to 'who' is sharing the why - someone with authority, which is generally distrusted. It gets to a point where whatever you say is taken as evidence that conspiracy exists.
What helps instead is to get curious about that belief - where it's come from and how holding it is benefitting them - and help them find a sense of belonging with people who see things more rationally. So it's important not to denigrate or humiliate someone for holding these beliefs, because doing that makes them double down more.