Understanding Misinformation and Expectation Discrepancies

The appeal of misinformation often stems from a dissonance between expected outcomes and actual results, particularly in emotionally charged situations like elections. When voters anticipate a close race but witness a decisive victory, cognitive dissonance can lead them to search for explanations that validate their feelings. This process can further entrench individuals in conspiratorial thinking as they seek confirmation online, compounding misinformation in their beliefs. Online interactions often amplify these narratives, especially among those heavily consuming content related to their political preferences.