independent.co.uk
Cambridge Dictionary's 2024 Word of the Year: 'Manifest'
Cambridge Dictionary names 'manifest' its 2024 word of the year, highlighting its increased usage related to the trend of 'manifesting' desires, though experts caution against the belief's lack of scientific basis.
- What factors contributed to the Cambridge Dictionary's selection of "manifest" as its 2024 word of the year?
- The Cambridge Dictionary has chosen "manifest" as its 2024 word of the year, due to a significant increase in lookups on their website, largely driven by its popularity on social media platforms like TikTok.
- What are the different meanings and historical usages of the word "manifest," and how do they relate to its current popularity?
- The term's rise in popularity is linked to its use in the context of "manifesting," a belief that visualizing desired outcomes increases their likelihood. However, experts like Dr. Sander van der Linden caution against this "magical thinking," emphasizing the importance of realistic goal-setting and effort.
- What are the arguments for and against the concept of "manifesting," and what are its potential social and psychological implications?
- While the word "manifest" has a long history with meanings relating to clarity and obviousness, its contemporary usage in the context of manifesting desires has sparked debate about its validity and potential consequences.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the story around the word's selection as Cambridge Dictionary's word of the year, highlighting its popularity without sufficient critical analysis of the underlying concept. This could lead readers to accept the concept of "manifesting" more readily than a more balanced treatment would.
Language Bias
The article uses neutral language when describing "manifesting," although it includes expert opinion criticizing it as "magical thinking." This framing may downplay the potential dangers of the belief.
Bias by Omission
The article presents the popularity of "manifesting" and its association with celebrities, but omits discussion of potential downsides beyond the expert's comments on the lack of scientific validity. It doesn't delve into negative real-world consequences or cases of disappointment resulting from the belief.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy between "magical thinking" and "realistic goal-setting and effort." It implies that these are mutually exclusive approaches when in reality, positive thinking can complement practical action.