What do the presidential primaries, awards season, artificial intelligence, bestselling books, and the college admission experience have in common? They all demand that we consider how our society views expertise, and the ways we use, misuse, and abuse information.
Whether seeking advice on something important like health or finances, or a less serious decision like what book to read, movie to watch, or restaurant to patronize, we all want expert input. But just what does that mean? How does one identify an expert? Paradoxically, often true experts are hesitant to call themselves such. In contrast, on social media, it seems that everyone considers themselves an expert.
The internet is awash in advertisements from individuals or groups purporting to be experts in college admission. Frequently, their company names are branded with words that either suggest elitism or imply…
