Misunderstanding can play a role in people’s dislike of others who have different beliefs. wildpixel/Getty Images Daniel F. Stone, Bowdoin College U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene drew raised eyebrows when she suggested on Presidents Day that the United States pursue a “national divorce.” Even in an era of seemingly ever-growing […] Read more »
Foolproof: A psychological vaccine against fake news
… A biological virus is a parasite that attaches itself to the surface of a host cell. It will then inject its own genetic material into the host, hijacking the host cell’s machinery with the goal of reproducing itself. In a very similar way, misinformation, conspiracy theories, and other dangerous […] Read more »
Reason To Believe: How and why irrationality takes hold, and what do to about it
… Why do people believe in outlandish conspiracy theories, such as that Covid-19 was a plot by Bill Gates to implant trackable microchips in our bodies? Or in blatant fake news, such as that Joe Biden called Trump supporters “dregs of society”? Or in paranormal woo-woo, like astrology, extra-sensory perception […] Read more »
In Praise of Skepticism: Trust but Verify
Keynote online lecture by Prof. Pippa Norris (Harvard University, USA) at the WAPOR 75th annual conference on November 11, 2022 in Dubai, UAE. World Association for Public Opinion Research The OPINION TODAY email newsletter is a concise daily rundown of significant new poll results and insightful analysis. It’s FREE. Sign up here: opiniontoday.substack Read more »
Misinformation: susceptibility, spread, and interventions to immunize the public
The spread of misinformation poses a considerable threat to public health and the successful management of a global pandemic. For example, studies find that exposure to misinformation can undermine vaccination uptake and compliance with public-health guidelines. As research on the science of misinformation is rapidly emerging, this conceptual Review summarizes […] Read more »
America Has Split, and It’s Now in ‘Very Dangerous Territory’
… Polarization has become a force that feeds on itself, gaining strength from the hostility it generates, finding sustenance on both the left and the right. A series of recent analyses reveals the destructive power of polarization across the American political system. The United States continues to stand out among […] Read more »