Misguided: The Podcast The Irrational Ape: Facts, Feelings, and the Spread of Misinformation
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Aug 31, 2025 David Robert Grimes, a physicist and author known for his work in medical physics and science communication, takes us on a fascinating journey through the world of misinformation. He explains why mere facts often fail to change minds and discusses the emotional biases that shape our understanding. Grimes emphasizes the urgent need for media literacy and critical thinking to combat misinformation, especially in crises. He also explores healthcare disparities between the U.S. and Europe, highlighting systemic reforms for better public health outcomes.
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Why Facts Alone Fail
- Facts alone rarely change minds because people filter information through emotions and identity.
- Confirmation bias and motivated reasoning make clear information insufficient to shift beliefs.
From Info Deficit To Studying Conspiracies
- David shifted from an information-deficit view after seeing hostile reactions to his outreach.
- His viral 2016 paper showed conspiracies are mathematically hard to sustain, which deepened his curiosity.
Misinformation Got Worse, Fast
- The information ecosystem has become worse with social media amplification and emotional virality.
- Institutions underestimated the problem and remained reactive rather than proactive to misinformation.
