Brian Clegg, a science writer and BBC Science Focus contributor, dives into the fascinating world of manipulation in this talk. He uncovers how our emotions can make us vulnerable to both benign entertainment and malicious fraud. Clegg explores the power of storytelling and its role in shaping perceptions, as well as the dangers of misinformation and AI technologies like deepfakes. He discusses nudge theory, showcasing how slight prompts can significantly influence decision-making, while also tracing the evolution of branding in the modern era.

Brian Clegg, a science writer with over 40 books to his name, joins Amit Katwala, an award-winning journalist from Wired, to debunk popular scientific myths. They tackle misconceptions like goldfish memory and water conductivity. Clegg emphasizes the importance of understanding science to navigate these false beliefs. Katwala shares the intriguing history of the polygraph, discussing its controversial reliability despite its frequent portrayal in media. Together, they unravel the truth behind both science and the myths that permeate our society.