All the Cool Kids Think So
First, the writer makes an assertion. Then, instead of backing up the assertion with facts, they tell you that someone or some group agrees. It’s the “all the cool kids are doing it” tactic.
“Senator Greg Shady’s plan for city transportation is not feasible. Joan Whatsit of the Human Foundation agrees. Even Shady’s fellow Democratic senator, Bob Grudge, agrees that it’s a poor plan.”
Wow! Someone from the Human Foundation (sounds important!) and someone from the guy’s own party think it’s bad? It must be bad! Right?
For any issue in the news there are always plenty of people who agree and plenty who disagree. Isn’t that why you read and watch the news in the first place? To learn about current events and decide where you fall on the issues?
When an article mentions who agrees or disagrees instead of sharing actual facts surrounding the issue, it’s usually done as a way to influence the reader, and it’s not intellectually honest.
Social proof [sō-shəl prüf]—using another person’s opinion on an issue in place of actual supporting facts.
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