8th Layer Insights The Plausibility Effect
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May 14, 2025 Explore the intriguing dynamics of the plausibility effect, where belief trumps truth, leading people to accept even the most ridiculous misinformation. Delve into historical examples and learn strategies to sharpen your critical thinking skills. The conversation also touches on the rise of deepfakes and their role in disinformation campaigns, highlighting the urgent need to understand and combat these modern threats. Get ready to engage with the sneaky cognitive biases that shape our perceptions of reality!
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Plausibility Beats Truth
- People don't fall for things because they're true; they fall for things because they're plausible.
- Deception works through what your brain can accept without questioning much.
Hitler Diaries Hoax Example
- The Hitler Diaries hoax fooled historians because it was plausible, not perfect.
- The story fit a narrative that secret diaries might offer new insight, so flaws were overlooked.
Cognitive Shortcuts and Plausibility
- Our minds use cognitive shortcuts to conserve effort by accepting what fits expectations.
- We tend to accept plausible information without digging deeper, enabling deception to succeed.
