The prompt is everything.

It’s critical to know what ChatGPT and other AI tools can do and what they can’t. We’ve collected some use cases with the prompts used.

Marketing? You bet.

We worked with ShowPlace Icon Theater And Kitchen to use AI to build a film series, a video press release, and pre-roll presentations.

We prompted ChatGPT to write a press release. For the press release prompt, we provided key info like the titles playing (supplied by GPT-3) dates, and other key facts. Once approved we submitted the text to an AI avatar generator.

Long-form text? It’s a snap.

Using GPT, We created a White Paper on logical fallacies. The following is generated by ChatGPT from our prompts with some editing provided by Grammarly-

We asked for an outline

I. Introduction
A. Explanation of what logical fallacies are and why they matter in mass communication
B. Explanation of how logical fallacies are used in mass communication to manipulate and deceive
C. Overview of the book’s purpose and structure

II. Understanding Logical Fallacies
A. An in-depth explanation of each of the ten most common logical fallacies
B. Discussion of how each of these fallacies can be used in mass communication
C. Real-life examples of each fallacy in use, drawn from current events and popular media

III. The Psychology of Persuasion
A. Discussion of how and why logical fallacies are effective in persuasion
B. Overview of the psychological mechanisms behind the use of fallacies in mass communication
C. Real-life examples of how logical fallacies have been used to influence public opinion

IV. The Role of Mass Media
A. Discussion of the role that mass media plays in the proliferation of logical fallacies
B. Overview of how logical fallacies are used in different types of media, including news, advertising, and social media
C. Real-life examples of how mass media has used logical fallacies to shape public opinion

V. Spotting Logical Fallacies
A. Discussion of how to spot logical fallacies in mass communication
B. Explanation of strategies for analyzing and dissecting arguments in order to identify fallacies
C. Real-life examples of how readers and viewers can apply these strategies to identify logical fallacies in the media

VI. Conclusion
A. Summary of the book’s key points
B. Call to action for readers to be more aware of logical fallacies in mass communication
C. Final thoughts and recommendations for further reading or resources.

We asked for a chapter outline and summary

Introduction:
The introduction should provide an overview of the book’s purpose and set the stage for why understanding and overcoming human bias is critical for business leaders. It should outline the book’s structure and key themes and introduce the reader to the concept of cognitive bias.

Chapter 1: Understanding Cognitive Bias:
This chapter should provide a detailed overview of the various forms of cognitive bias that can impact decision-making, including confirmation bias, availability bias, groupthink, and others. It should include real-world examples and case studies to illustrate how bias can affect decision-making and provide a framework for understanding how cognitive bias operates in the human brain.

Chapter 2: The Impact of Bias on Decision-Making:
This chapter should explore how cognitive bias impacts decision-making in the workplace and the consequences of bias in terms of productivity, employee satisfaction, and organizational success. It should also provide examples of bias in action in various business contexts, including hiring, promotion, and customer service.

Chapter 3: Overcoming Cognitive Bias:
This chapter should provide practical strategies for identifying and overcoming cognitive bias in decision-making. This could include techniques for questioning assumptions, seeking out diverse perspectives, and using evidence-based approaches to decision-making. The chapter should also explore the role of leadership in creating a culture that is resistant to bias and open to feedback.

Chapter 4: Creating a Culture of Inclusion:
This chapter should explore the role of business leaders in creating a more inclusive workplace culture and provide strategies for promoting diversity and equity in the workplace. This could include tactics for increasing the representation of underrepresented groups, fostering a culture of openness and respect, and promoting awareness of bias in the workplace.

Conclusion:
The conclusion should summarize the book’s key themes and reiterate the importance of understanding and overcoming cognitive bias in decision-making. It should provide a call to action for business leaders to take the book’s lessons and apply them in their own organizations and offer a vision of a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture. Finally, it should leave the reader with a sense of empowerment and agency and inspire them to take action to address bias in their own decision-making.

Then we got down to business…

What is a logical fallacy?

A logical fallacy is an error in reasoning that undermines the validity of an argument. It is a flaw in the structure or content of an argument that makes it unsound, even if the conclusion might be true. Logical fallacies can be intentional or unintentional, and they can occur in many different forms, including errors in evidence, appeals to emotion, false analogies, straw man arguments, ad hominem attacks, and many others.

Logical fallacies are important to understand because they can be used to deceive, manipulate, or mislead people, and they can also undermine the credibility of an argument or the person making the argument. By recognizing and avoiding logical fallacies, we can ensure that our arguments are based on sound reasoning and evidence, which can help us make better decisions and arrive at more accurate conclusions.

Logical fallacies matter in mass communications because they can manipulate and deceive audiences, leading them to make decisions or form opinions based on flawed reasoning. Mass communication often uses logical fallacies to influence public opinion, promote specific products or ideas, or undermine opposing arguments or viewpoints.

When logical fallacies are used in mass communication, they can create a false sense of credibility or authority, convincing audiences to accept an argument or conclusion without adequately examining the evidence or logic behind it. This can lead to misinformation, propaganda, and the spreading of ideas that are not based on fact or reason.

In addition, logical fallacies can harm critical thinking skills, making it more difficult for audiences to evaluate arguments and make informed decisions. By promoting flawed reasoning and discouraging essential analysis, logical fallacies can create a culture of intellectual laziness and complacency, where audiences are more likely to accept arguments at face value without questioning their validity.

Therefore, it is essential for media experts and consumers alike to be aware of logical fallacies in mass communication to identify and resist attempts at manipulation and deception. By understanding logical fallacies and their impact on public discourse, media experts can work to promote more rational, evidence-based communication that supports informed decision-making and fosters a more informed and engaged citizenry.

why logical fallacies matter in mass communication:

Logical fallacies can be persuasive: Logical fallacies can be used to create compelling arguments that appeal to people's emotions and beliefs. They can be particularly effective in advertising, political messaging, or other forms of mass communication that aim to sway public opinion. By using logical fallacies, communicators can make their arguments seem more compelling than they are.

Logical fallacies can be hard to detect: Many logical fallacies are subtle and hard to see, especially for people who need to be trained in critical thinking or argument analysis. By raising awareness of logical fallacies, media experts can help people develop the skills they need to spot and avoid them. This makes it easier for communicators to use them without being called out on their faulty reasoning.

Logical fallacies can lead to misinformation: When used in mass communication, they can distort or misrepresent the facts, leading to misinformation and confusion. This can have serious consequences, especially in areas such as public health, where accurate information is critical for making decisions that affect people's lives.

Logical fallacies can undermine democratic discourse: Logical fallacies can be used to manipulate public opinion and silence dissenting voices, undermining democratic discourse and the free exchange of ideas. Media experts can help create a more robust and inclusive public sphere where diverse viewpoints can be heard by promoting more rational, evidence-based communication.

Logical fallacies can erode trust in media: When logical fallacies are used in mass communication, they can erode people's confidence in the media and other sources of information. People may become more cynical and less willing to engage with the news and information presented to them. This can be especially damaging in an era of rampant misinformation and disinformation.

By understanding the impact of logical fallacies on mass communication, media experts can play a crucial role in promoting more informed, critical, and democratic public discourse.

here are a few examples of how logical fallacies can be used in mass communication to manipulate and deceive people:

    Appeal to Emotion: This fallacy involves using fear, anger, or pity to persuade people to believe or do something. For example, an advertisement for a new security system may show images of a family being victimized by burglars and then offer the product as a solution to prevent such tragedies. By appealing to people’s fear of crime, the advertisement tries to convince them that the product is necessary, even if they don’t need it.

    False Dilemma: This fallacy presents an either/or situation where there are only two options when there may be many more. The politician is trying to limit people’s options and manipulate their decision-making by presenting a false choice. For example, a politician might say that the only way to solve a problem is to raise taxes or cut spending when other solutions haven’t been considered.

    Ad Hominem: This fallacy attacks the person making the argument rather than the idea itself. For example, a news outlet might discredit a source of information by pointing out that they have a criminal record or a history of making controversial statements. By attacking the person rather than the substance of their argument, the news outlet is trying to undermine the credibility of the information.

    Red Herring: This fallacy introduces a new and irrelevant topic into a discussion to distract from the main point. For example, in a political debate, one candidate might bring up their opponent’s personal life instead of addressing the question that was asked. By introducing an unrelated topic, the candidate tries to deflect attention from the real issue and manipulate the audience’s perception.

    Bandwagon: This fallacy appeals to the idea that “everyone else is doing it,” so it must be the right thing to do. For example, an advertisement might claim that a product is the most popular on the market, suggesting that it must be superior to its competitors. By appealing to people’s desire to conform, the advertisement tries to persuade them to follow the crowd without thinking critically about the product’s merits.

These are just a few examples of how logical fallacies can be used in mass communication to manipulate and deceive people. By being aware of these fallacies and developing critical thinking skills, people can better recognize when they are being misled and make more informed decisions.

One famous thought experiment used to demonstrate the danger of rushing to judgment is the “Rashomon effect,” named after the classic 1950 Japanese film “Rashomon” directed by Akira Kurosawa.

In the film, four characters witness the same crime, but each has a different recollection of what happened. Their conflicting accounts of the crime illustrate how different perspectives and biases affect how people perceive and remember events.

The Rashomon effect has since become a well-known term for multiple people having different interpretations or memories of the same event. It’s often used to highlight the dangers of relying on eyewitness testimony or jumping to conclusions based on incomplete or biased information.

The Rashomon effect reminds us that perception is subjective and that people’s memories and interpretations can be influenced by various factors, such as their beliefs, expectations, and emotions. By gathering and evaluating multiple perspectives and evidence, we can avoid rushing to judgment and make more informed decisions.

several other famous thought experiments are used to demonstrate the dangers of rushing to judgment. Here are a few examples:

    The Stanford Prison Experiment: This experiment, conducted by psychologist Philip Zimbardo in 1971, involved randomly assigning participants to either a “prisoner” or “guard” role in a simulated prison environment. The experiment is often used to illustrate how easily people can be influenced by their roles and the social context they find themselves in and how quickly this can lead to harmful behavior. The experiment was intended to last two weeks. Still, it had to be terminated after only six days due to the extreme psychological distress experienced by the “prisoners” and the abusive behavior of the “guards.”

    The Milgram Experiment: This experiment, conducted by psychologist Stanley Milgram in 1963, involved participants delivering electric shocks to a “learner” whenever they made a mistake on a memory test. The shocks increased in intensity with each error, and the “learner” was a confederate of the experimenters who didn’t receive any shocks. Despite the apparent harm being caused to the “learner,” most participants continued to administer the shocks when instructed by the experimenter. The experiment is often used to illustrate how easily people can be influenced by authority figures and how this can lead them to act in ways they wouldn’t under normal conditions.

    The Trolley Problem: This is a classic thought experiment in moral philosophy that presents a dilemma involving a runaway trolley that is about to kill five people who are tied to the tracks. The participant is then given the option to pull a lever that will divert the trolley onto a different track, where only one person is tied up. The experiment often illustrates the complexities of ethical decision-making and the trade-offs people may need to make when faced with difficult choices.

These thought experiments all highlight the importance of taking the time to carefully consider our actions and decisions and to avoid rushing to judgment based on incomplete or biased information. By cultivating an awareness of our own biases and limitations, we can make more informed and ethical decisions.

There are several ways to demonstrate that an individual’s argument is biased. Here are a few examples:

Identify the individual’s affiliations: Bias can arise from a person’s affiliations, such as their political or ideological leanings, their professional associations, or their personal relationships. If you can identify these affiliations, you may be able to show how they are influencing the person’s argument.

    Analyze the language used: Language can reveal bias in several ways, such as through the use of emotionally charged or loaded terms, the framing of issues in a particular way, or the selective use of evidence to support a specific perspective. By analyzing the language used in an argument, you can identify any biases that may be present.

    Look for conflicts of interest: Bias can also arise from conflicts of interest, such as financial interests, personal relationships, or other factors that may motivate a person to promote a particular perspective. Suppose you can identify any conflicts of interest. In that case, you can use this information to question the validity of the person’s argument.

    Consider the sources of evidence: Bias can be introduced through the selective use of evidence or by relying on sources known to be biased. By analyzing the sources of evidence used in an argument, you can identify any biases that may be present.

    Compare the argument to other perspectives: Bias can be demonstrated by comparing an individual’s argument to different views on the same issue. This may indicate bias if the person’s argument significantly differs from other perspectives.

By using these and other methods to identify bias in an individual’s argument, you can help to ensure that debates and discussions are grounded in objective and evidence-based reasoning rather than personal biases and agendas.

Logical fallacies can effectively persuade people because they often appeal to people’s emotions rather than their reason. People are usually more likely to be swayed by arguments that resonate with their feelings and beliefs than logically sound ideas that lack emotional appeal.

Logical fallacies can also be effective because they are often used with other persuasive techniques, such as repetition, social proof, and Authority. When these techniques are combined with logical fallacies, they can create a compelling message that is difficult for people to resist.

Additionally, logical fallacies can be effective because they can exploit people’s cognitive biases and heuristics, which are mental shortcuts used to make decisions quickly and efficiently. For example, the availability heuristic causes people to overestimate the likelihood of events that are easy to recall. In contrast, confirmation bias causes people to seek information that confirms their beliefs and ignore information that contradicts them. Logical fallacies can be designed to exploit these biases and heuristics, making them more persuasive to people.

Finally, logical fallacies can be effective because they simplify complex issues and make them easier to understand. People may feel overwhelmed or confused when presented with complex or ambiguous information. They may be more likely to rely on emotional appeals and logical fallacies to make sense of the information. By offering information in a simplified and emotionally resonant way, logical fallacies can help people to make sense of complex issues and arrive at a conclusion that feels intuitively correct, even if it is not logically sound.

Avoid using logical fallacies in mass communication, as they can be manipulative and deceptive, eroding trust and credibility over time. It is essential for media professionals to use ethical and evidence-based persuasion techniques that are grounded in reason and respect for their audience’s intelligence and autonomy.

Example 1: John’s Decision Making
John was the CEO of a large manufacturing company, and he was concerned about the impact of cognitive biases on his decision-making. He knew that people tend to overvalue information supporting their preconceptions and undervalue information contradicting them. To counteract this, John established a system of checks and balances where vital decisions were subject to review by a diverse group of stakeholders with different perspectives. He also encouraged open dialogue and debate to ensure all options were considered.

Example 2: Sarah’s Meeting Management
Sarah was a marketing agency senior manager and was concerned about the impact of cognitive biases on team meetings. She knew that people tend to defer to the opinions of those they perceive as being more experienced or authoritative, which could lead to groupthink and narrow thinking. To counteract this, Sarah created an environment where everyone was encouraged to participate and share their opinions, regardless of rank or experience. She also established a system of rotating meeting facilitators to ensure that different perspectives were brought to the table.

Example 3: Tom’s Product Development
Tom was a product manager at a software company and was concerned about cognitive biases’ impact on product development. He knew that people tend to prioritize features they find appealing rather than those most important to the target customer. Tom conducted extensive market research to counteract this to identify customer needs and preferences. He also established a user testing system where prototypes were evaluated by a diverse group of potential customers to ensure that the product met their needs and preferences.

Statistical errors can impact our understanding of data too. But don’t worry, we’re going to make it fun and easy to understand!

Let’s start with an example. Imagine you’re playing a game of “Guess Who?” and want to determine if your opponent has a mustache. You can ask one question to narrow it down. You might ask, “Does your person have a mustache?” If your opponent says yes, then you’ve made a correct guess. But what if they say no? You might guess that they don’t have a mustache, but there’s a chance you could be wrong.

This is an example of a Type 1 error. It’s when we think something is true but actually false. In this case, you guessed your opponent didn’t have a mustache, but you were wrong because they actually did. Type 1 errors are like false positives, where we think we’ve found something, but it’s not there.

Let’s imagine you ask another question in the game, but this time you ask, “Does your person wear glasses?” Your opponent says no, so you guess they don’t wear glasses. But it turns out you were wrong. They actually do wear glasses. This is an example of a Type 2 error. It’s when we think something is false but actually true. In this case, you guessed your opponent didn’t wear glasses, but you were wrong because they actually did. Type 2 errors are like false negatives, where we think we haven’t found something, but it’s actually there.

Now let’s talk about confirmation bias. This is when we only look for information supporting our beliefs and ignore information contradicting them. For example, let’s say you’re a fan of a particular sports team, and you only read articles that praise that team and ignore articles that criticize them. This is confirmation bias because you’re only seeking information that confirms your beliefs and not considering other perspectives. It’s like wearing blinders that only allow us to see what we want to see.

Care must be taken when interpreting data. Watch out for Type 1 and Type 2 errors, as well as confirmation bias. Always try to consider all perspectives and be open to new information.