Understanding the Psychology Behind the Spread of Misinformation

In this episode of PsyberSpace, host and media psychologist Leslie Poston digs into the psychological mechanisms that drive the spread of misinformation. Exploring the impacts of misinformation in contexts such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 US presidential election, and climate change denial, Poston highlights the role of cognitive biases like confirmation bias, availability heuristic, and cognitive dissonance. The episode also examines the emotional and memory factors in the perpetuation of false beliefs and the intentional spread of misinformation by those with deceptive traits. Additionally, it discusses the social dynamics within online and offline communities and effective strategies, including education, fact-checking, and technological interventions, to combat misinformation.

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00:00 Introduction to Misinformation
00:42 Real-World Examples of Misinformation
02:17 Psychological Mechanisms Behind Misinformation
02:39 Cognitive Biases and Misinformation
05:10 Emotional Influence on Misinformation
06:07 Memory and Misinformation
07:33 Intentional Spread of Misinformation
12:11 Social Dynamics and Misinformation
15:24 Combating Misinformation: Strategies and Solutions
19:44 Technological and Community-Based Solutions
26:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts