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Are We Surrounded By Self-Proclaimed Experts? - What are you an expert in?

Caesar Rondina, Author | Public Speaker
Apr 7
6 min read

INTRODUCTION:

Greetings. Welcome to my new time slot. This was done to coordinate the postings of my blog posts and the links released to my subscribers. Remember, subscribe to my blog, and never miss a post. We all know someone who thinks they are an expert on everything. You know the type. If you caught a 12-inch fish, they caught a 20-inch fish and will tell you how to do it. Also, if you ever did anything, they have done the same, only bigger and better. Doesn't that drive you crazy? How could one person know so much about everything?

The fact is, they can't. These are what are called self-proclaimed experts. A self-proclaimed expert claims to be an expert in a particular field or many fields but may not have the formal qualifications, recognition, or experience to validate that claim. That does not mean someone may not know much about a particular subject, but only knowing a lot about something doesn't qualify someone as an expert.

We all see this at work, within our families, or in groups of friends. We see it, especially on TV. Almost every news station has an expert, and most politicians are experts—or, at least, they like to present themselves as such. The truth is, it takes more than someone just saying they are an expert to be considered one. In legal contexts, a court, specifically a trial judge, determines if someone is qualified to be an expert witness, and this is often done through a process called voir dire, where the witness's credentials and knowledge are examined.

In today's society, people openly voice their opinions and claim to know what they are talking about because they read an article or two, saw a post on social media, or heard it on the news. Not to mention all the BS spam releases you get on your cell phones. Most of this is innocent, and no malintent is intended. However, the reality is that people do listen, which can be misunderstood, taken out of context, or worse. How many self-proclaimed experts do you know?

SELF-PROCLAIMED EXPERTS:

In today's information-saturated world, the term "expert" carries significant weight. Traditionally, it implies a deep, extensive understanding of a particular subject, honed through years of study, experience, and practice. However, a new breed of specialists has emerged—self-proclaimed experts. As the term suggests, self-proclaimed experts claim expertise in a specific field without necessarily possessing the formal qualifications or credentials traditionally associated with such a status. Unlike certified professionals, who have undergone rigorous education and training, self-proclaimed experts often arrive at their status through personal experience, informal training, or simply through self-confidence and assertiveness.

Self-proclaimed experts assert expertise in a particular field without the formal qualifications or recognized credentials typically associated with such expertise. They may claim proficiency based on personal experiences, anecdotal evidence, or self-education, positioning themselves as knowledgeable figures to offer advice or insight.

Unlike professionals who have undergone extensive training or education, self-proclaimed experts often lack official recognition (degrees, certifications) from established institutions in their field. Many self-proclaimed experts are charismatic communicators. They usually excel in articulating their views engagingly, enabling them to garner followers and attract attention. These individuals frequently draw on their personal experiences to validate their claims. While these stories can resonate with audiences, they do not necessarily equate to objective expertise. In addition, most cannot validate their personal experiences.

Self-proclaimed experts often share their perspectives on social media, blogs, podcasts, and other non-traditional platforms. This unregulated environment allows them to bypass the rigorous scrutiny associated with academic or professional credentials. Many self-proclaimed experts thrive on presenting unconventional or controversial viewpoints. This can create a following and lead to misinformation when these views contradict established knowledge or facts.

WHERE HAVE THEY ALL COME FROM?:

The progression of digital technology has been the catalyst for the rise of self-proclaimed experts. Social media platforms allow individuals to reach large audiences without traditional gatekeeping. This accessibility to information has advantages, such as diverse voices and perspectives. However, it also leads to a proliferation of misinformation and the potential for misleading the public.

Self-proclaimed experts are particularly prevalent in fields lacking standardized educational paths, such as health and wellness, personal finance, relationships, and even certain areas of technology. In these domains, the lines between expert and layperson can become blurred, leading many people to accept self-appointed authorities without skepticism. There are risks associated with this:

The sheer volume of information available today can lead to confusion. Self-proclaimed experts often contribute to this overload, mixing valuable insights with misleading or erroneous claims. For instance, in the health and wellness arena, individuals without proper training may espouse dietary or medical advice that could endanger others.
The presence of self-proclaimed experts can undermine the public’s trust in qualified professionals. When laypeople encounter conflicting information from supposed experts, they may become disillusioned with legitimate sources of expertise.
"The Dunnig-Kruger Effect" is a cognitive bias in which individuals with limited knowledge in a domain overestimate their understanding. It is often observed among self-proclaimed experts. Their confidence, irrespective of the accuracy of their knowledge, can lead to the dissemination of incorrect information.
Self-proclaimed experts can disrupt established professions. For example, finance influencers promoting dubious investment strategies can lead individuals astray, posing risks not only to their personal finances but also to the broader economic system.

HOW DO WE NAVIGATE THIS WORLD?:

Information consumers must develop critical thinking skills to discern credible sources from self-proclaimed experts. Here are a few strategies:

Verify Credentials: Research the individual's background. Are they formally educated or accredited in the field they discuss?
Seek Evidence: Look for claims that are backed by empirical research or data. Reputable experts typically provide sources for their statements.
Evaluate Bias: Consider whether the individual has any vested interests that might sway their opinions, such as sponsorship or financial gain.
Consult Multiple Sources: Cross-reference information with other reliable sources to form a well-rounded view.

A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE:

When I look at myself, I do so with open eyes and honesty. I believe I am knowledgeable in many areas due to my experience. Some might say I could be referred to as an expert in the areas that my education, experience, knowledge, and credentials align. However, there is a balance involved when it comes to expertise. One should never boast about it; individuals will fall into that category if their knowledge is required or called upon. Bragging is never looked upon favorably by others. That said, self-proclaimed experts are only people who wish to add value to a situation, and by building themselves up, they feel that will give them credibility. In reality, actions always speak louder than words.

It all comes down to individual personalities, how people perceive themselves, and what they feel they need to do to feel better about themselves. We often do not know what others have experienced in life or what has contributed to making them who they are today. I like to give everyone the benefit of the doubt and not judge them. Sometimes, when we just listen, we gain a world of knowledge whether or not a person is considered an expert.

IN CLOSING:

Self-proclaimed experts occupy a unique space in the digital age, offering valuable insights and potential pitfalls. While they can democratize knowledge and bring fresh perspectives, their rise also demands careful scrutiny from the audience. As information consumers, developing critical thinking skills is essential to navigate this evolving world effectively and distinguish between genuine expertise and self-proclaimed assertions.

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Thank you.

Please feel free to leave comments, or if you have a topic you would like me to discuss, you can email me at crondina@caesarrondinaauthor.com. As always, I accept guest blog posts. If you want to write about a topic, email your finished draft in Word format to crondina@caesarrondinaauthor.com. I will review it and contact you. Thank you.

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