Abundant Data, Vanishing Reason
Currently, we live in the midst of a data flood. Every day, we are presented with graphs, percentages, survey results, and claims of being “based on data” on social media. Ironically, fewer people truly understand how to interpret them. Data is positioned as an “absolute truth” without considering that behind every figure, there is always a process, an assumption, and a human decision that shaped it.
This phenomenon is also becoming visible within university environments. Students often use data as a supplement to assignments or research, but they do not necessarily understand the quality of that data. Many simply seek numbers that support their arguments, while contradictory data is ignored. Survey results may appear convincing, even when the respondents do not represent the actual population. The phrase “Data Doesn’t Lie” is frequently used as a shield to strengthen arguments. However, we must recognise that while it is true that data does not lie, the way humans select, process, and present it can produce narratives that contradict the truth.
This condition is further intensified by the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Various applications are now capable of generating graphs, analyses, and even statistical interpretations in mere seconds. While this convenience certainly offers benefits, it also carries risks. When students rely too heavily on AI without understanding the analytical process, they gradually lose their capacity for critical thinking. The essence of statistics lies not in the ability to produce numbers, but in the ability to question whether those numbers are trustworthy.
Ultimately, the greatest challenge in the era of big data is not a lack of information, but a lack of reasoning to understand it. Universities should have the responsibility to produce graduates who are not only capable of processing data but are also able to question, interpret, and use it responsibly. After all, abundant data will be useless if we lose our critical reasoning towards it.