unSILOed with Greg LaBlanc

527. Inoculating Yourself Against Misinformation with Sander van der Linden

Apr 14, 2025
In this insightful conversation, Sander van der Linden, a Cambridge University professor and author, reveals how misinformation spreads like a virus. He introduces the concept of 'pre-bunking'—exposing individuals to weakened misinformation to build immunity. Sander discusses individual susceptibility to misleading information, emphasizing the role of cognitive biases and technology. He also explores the dangerous intersection of misinformation and group identity, highlighting its potential to incite real-world violence. Ultimately, he advocates for early education as a tool for resilience against misinformation.
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INSIGHT

Misinformation Definition

  • Misinformation isn't just about obvious falsehoods, but also misleading information designed to manipulate.
  • This includes presenting opinions as facts or using manipulative tactics like implying causation from correlation.
ANECDOTE

Misleading Information Example

  • Sander van der Linden gives an example of misleading information: a headline claiming a healthy doctor died after receiving a COVID vaccine.
  • While technically true, the headline uses correlation to imply causation, a common misinformation tactic.
INSIGHT

Technology Amplifies Misinformation

  • While falsehoods have always existed, technology amplifies misinformation spread.
  • This 'infodemic' overwhelms people with information, making them rely on biases and increasing susceptibility to misinformation.
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