The Social Chemist The Psychology of Disinformation and Conspiracy Theories w/ Dr. Joseph Pierre
Mar 26, 2025
Dr. Joseph Pierre, a forensic psychiatrist and clinical professor at UC, explores the psychology behind disinformation and conspiracy theories. He discusses his new book, diving into how confirmation bias has intensified in the digital age. Joseph critiques the role of social media in shaping beliefs about hot topics like COVID-19 and climate change. He questions whether the addiction to conspiracy content reflects a broader societal mistrust and emphasizes the importance of critical thinking in navigating today's information landscape.
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Confirmation Bias on Steroids
- Confirmation bias is amplified online by algorithms that steer us toward information we want to see.
- This "confirmation bias on steroids" creates echo chambers that reinforce false beliefs digitally.
Democratization's Double-Edged Sword
- The democratization of information led to an overload where sensationalism outshines truth.
- Online news shifts focus from subscription-based facts to click-driven outrageous content, degrading information quality.
Skepticism of 'Do Your Own Research'
- "Do your own research" often means online searching biased by confirmation and motivated reasoning.
- True research counters bias, unlike most online searches which reinforce existing beliefs.