Question from a reader:
Where does the trend of treating reports about suspects as “justice” come from? It seems that when someone is reported, they’re often treated as if they’re guilty. How should we think about this situation?
Reports on Suspects and Our Cognitive Distortions
Recently, when watching the news, I’ve noticed that suspects are often treated as if they’re already
guilty. The reactions on social media are overwhelming, creating a sense that public lynchings are happening. There are times when I feel compelled to yell at the screen, “Don’t say that!”
The Ease of Labeling Someone as the Villain
While watching a comedy movie with friends, there was a scene where a character was wrongfully accused. We all laughed at the moment, but later, I realized that our laughter was likely rooted in the preconceived notion that “the suspect is a bad person,” which is a bit frightening. It’s easy for people to decide that something bad is bad. I sometimes find myself swayed by the opinions of those around me. For instance, when a child breaks something, my immediate reaction is often to ask, “Was it you who did it?” Regardless of whether they actually did, that kind of bias exists in my thinking. This may stem from our desire to “judge evil.”
Reflecting on How We Receive News
Even if the media reports correctly on suspects, how we process that information is crucial. I realized this when I saw a recent news case where someone labeled as a “suspect” was later found innocent. I felt a real sense of dread when I considered, “What if I were in that position?” It became clear to me that in our pursuit of the “justice” society demands, individual dignity can be sacrificed.
Ways to Address Cognitive Distortion
To change this situation, each of us needs to be aware of our cognitive distortions. I recommend picking up a book on wrongful convictions. I recently read “Wrongful Convictions and Humanity: Why Moral Emotions Mislead Us.” Through the author’s insights, I was reminded of just how much human moral emotions can influence our judgments.
Share Your Experiences!
Finally, if you have experiences or opinions about “suspect reporting” that you encounter in daily life, please share them in the comments. I look forward to hearing your unique perspectives and interesting stories! I also want to deepen my thoughts by sharing everyone’s narratives.
