Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas 333 | Gordon Pennycook on Unthinkingness, Conspiracies, and What to Do About Them
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Oct 27, 2025 
Gordon Pennycook, an experimental psychologist at Cornell University known for his research on misinformation and biases, dives into the concept of 'unthinkingness'—the idea that many people simply don’t engage in reflective thought. He discusses how this lack of cognitive effort contributes to belief in pseudo-profound statements and conspiracy theories. Pennycook shares insights on the role of AI in combating misinformation and highlights the importance of nudges to improve judgment accuracy. The episode explores the intersection of cognitive biases, culture, and the power of thoughtful conversation.
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Unthinkingness Drives False Beliefs
- Gordon Pennycook argues many false beliefs come from "unthinkingness," not motivated reasoning.
- People often accept claims that "feel" profound without doing reflective evaluation.
Random Chopra‑Style Sentences Test Receptivity
- Pennycook used randomly generated Deepak Chopra–style sentences to test receptivity to pseudo‑profound statements.
- People who rely on gut feelings judged both real and random statements as equally profound.
Two Modes Of Thought Matter Online
- Thinking has two modes: fast intuitive responses and effortful deliberation.
- Overreliance on intuition makes people vulnerable to nonsense online.
