https://padlet.com/kidmatt_7/bpxcaf2eui8d by Matt Zinck en-us 2017-01-22 20:11:17 UTC 2023-03-29 22:38:02 UTC hello@padlet.com kidmatt_7 https://padlet.com/kidmatt_7/bpxcaf2eui8d/wish/148591742
Definition:
The "appeal to authority" red flag includes those in white lab coats, such as doctors and scientists. They seem more credible than a celebrity, so more people would be inclined to believe their claims.

Connection:
This link is to a website selling a weight loss pill called Green Coffee Ultra.The very first paragraph suggests endorsement from Dr. Oz without calling him by name. This is probably to avoid litigation. It also claims endorsement from doctors and biomedical researchers. We trust our health to members of the medical and scientific community, so many people would believe the claims made by these so-called experts.]]> 2017-01-22 20:12:30 UTC https://padlet.com/kidmatt_7/bpxcaf2eui8d/wish/148591742 kidmatt_7 https://padlet.com/kidmatt_7/bpxcaf2eui8d/wish/148592821 by Matt Zinck]]> 2017-01-22 20:29:32 UTC https://padlet.com/kidmatt_7/bpxcaf2eui8d/wish/148592821 kidmatt_7 https://padlet.com/kidmatt_7/bpxcaf2eui8d/wish/148593198
Definition:
The "all natural" red flag often applies to herbal supplements. But just because it grows naturally doesn't make it safe or effective for human consumption.

Connection:
Every winter you hear talk of "echinacea" for preventing or curing the common cold. Unfortunately there's no scientific proof that this plant can live up to either claim. Not only is it ineffective, but could prove dangerous to those on medication for heart disease, bleeding or skin disorders.]]> 2017-01-22 20:36:10 UTC https://padlet.com/kidmatt_7/bpxcaf2eui8d/wish/148593198 kidmatt_7 https://padlet.com/kidmatt_7/bpxcaf2eui8d/wish/148593812
Definition:
The "ancient wisdom" red flag refers to beliefs that were established many years ago in human history (often centuries). No changes or advancements have been made when it comes to these theories, remaining exactly as they were at the time of creation.

Connection:
People spend a great deal of time in their homes and offices, making feng shui a popular concept. The practice was created in China over 3000 years ago. The premise is to arrange your environment in such a way that promotes smooth energy flow. This supposedly improves well being and brings prosperity. There's a brief video on this website that explains the design concept, gives its origin and highlights the supposed benefits.]]> 2017-01-22 20:46:24 UTC https://padlet.com/kidmatt_7/bpxcaf2eui8d/wish/148593812 kidmatt_7 https://padlet.com/kidmatt_7/bpxcaf2eui8d/wish/148595504
Definition:
The "mystical energy" red flag refers to the use or manifestation of an otherworldly power. For example, a psychic will harness mystical energy in order to communicate with the dead.

Connection:
I find hauntings fascinating and that prompted my search for "Canada's Most Haunted Places". I came across a newspaper article about the Tranquille tunnels in British Columbia being opened as a tourist attraction. The tunnels run beneath a sanatorium where approximately 1,600 patients died of tuberculosis. Visitors report seeing "orbs of light" that are thought to be the mystical energy of spirits still bound to this earth.]]> 2017-01-22 21:14:05 UTC https://padlet.com/kidmatt_7/bpxcaf2eui8d/wish/148595504 kidmatt_7 https://padlet.com/kidmatt_7/bpxcaf2eui8d/wish/148596601
Definition:
The "ideological support" red flag refers to a belief substantiated by ethics, morality or political correctness. Many people follow a moral code set out for them by religion, altering their behaviour to align with those values.

Connection:
I'm sure many of us have opened the door to a Jehovah's Witness that came knocking. I was surprised to learn that Jehovah's Witnesses refuse blood transfusions because the Old and New testament say to "abstain from blood". This is tragic since a blood transfusion can be life saving!]]> 2017-01-22 21:33:17 UTC https://padlet.com/kidmatt_7/bpxcaf2eui8d/wish/148596601 kidmatt_7 https://padlet.com/kidmatt_7/bpxcaf2eui8d/wish/148903017
Definition:
Ideology is a powerful and widespread reason for belief. They are the ideas that form your belief system, influencing your behaviour and decisions. Ideals can also be political or social, but this religious example is cultural. Religious ideology can be a catalyst for positive and negative action. Many religions encourage their followers to be good, upstanding members of society. Sadly religion is also used to con and control or as justification for hatred and violence.

Connection:
This link is to a YouTube video by British comic John Oliver, famous for tackling global issues in a humorous yet informative way. In this segment, Oliver demonstrates how easy it is to create a fake church, become a televangelist and peddle in miracles. Many televangelists preach the so-called prosperity gospel, promising success (usually financial) to loyal followers (aka donors). It's sad, but some people donate their entire life savings to a charlatan manipulating religious belief.]]> 2017-01-24 01:28:12 UTC https://padlet.com/kidmatt_7/bpxcaf2eui8d/wish/148903017 kidmatt_7 https://padlet.com/kidmatt_7/bpxcaf2eui8d/wish/149206655
Definition:
Emotional connections are a mainstay of psychics because they know clients want to believe in them. Clients are often emotionally vulnerable, whether they be a victim of loss or struggle (death of a loved one, relationship drama, financial trouble, etc). This desperation can make even a rational person turn to an unreliable source of guidance and comfort.

Connection:
The use of a crystal ball, tarot cards or tea leaves makes for a better show to stir up emotion in a client. The cards are purportedly being "chosen" by an unseen spiritual force. This divine knowledge can be enticing. Similar to astrological readings, tarot cards can provide explanation and guidance when it comes to life events. This picture shows a set of tarot cards that would be used in a reading. ]]> 2017-01-25 01:36:45 UTC https://padlet.com/kidmatt_7/bpxcaf2eui8d/wish/149206655 kidmatt_7 https://padlet.com/kidmatt_7/bpxcaf2eui8d/wish/149494477
Definition:
The perception and observation reason for belief keeps a myth like the Loch Ness Monster alive. Your observations are influenced by your beliefs, explaining why different people can see the same thing in contrasting ways. Eyewitness accounts vary widely and personal bias can skew what we see. Even our own memory can be an unreliable source as research points out.

Connection:
The Loch Ness Monster is a famous creature of cryptozoology. Nessie was first sighted in the waters of Loch Ness, Scotland way back in 1933. Many photos and eye witness accounts have been reported since then, but none prove the hump-backed monster to be real. One person may see a log floating in the water while another sees the back of an aquatic beast...it largely depends on whether you're pre-conditioned to believe or not.]]> 2017-01-26 01:40:17 UTC https://padlet.com/kidmatt_7/bpxcaf2eui8d/wish/149494477 kidmatt_7 https://padlet.com/kidmatt_7/bpxcaf2eui8d/wish/153226927 applied to televangelism]]> 2017-02-11 16:30:19 UTC https://padlet.com/kidmatt_7/bpxcaf2eui8d/wish/153226927