EverydaySpy Podcast The Curious Case of Sharing Lies
Sep 8, 2020
Explore the intriguing world of misinformation and why fake news spreads faster than the truth. A revealing study of 1,700 Americans uncovers our tendency to share false stories more readily. Discover how social influence skews our perceptions of accuracy and the surprising ways prompting users to consider truthfulness can improve news sharing habits. Engage with the intersection of research and espionage that fuels the misinformation fire.
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Fake News Spreads Easily
- The study showed people were more likely to share fake news than real news on social media.
- This revealed the powerful role social media plays in spreading misinformation unknowingly.
Priming Accuracy Stops Fake News
- Asking people to judge the accuracy of just one headline dramatically improved their ability to spot fake news.
- It boosted their discernment by 300% without additional training or information.
Emotional Thinking Aids Fake News
- Fake news exploits natural emotional and reactive thinking patterns in people.
- Our instinct to share interesting info often overrides checking if it's true.