Samuel Bagg

Samuel Bagg, assistant professor of political science who studies social identity and democratic theory, explains how group belonging shapes what people notice and trust. He reviews experiments showing minimal cues change perception. They discuss which institutions curb bias, why facts alone fail, and the ethics and designs for building healthier collective identities.

Samuel Bagg, a political scientist at the University of South Carolina, discusses the deep-rooted issues of misinformation and trust in institutions. He argues that social identity heavily influences political beliefs and perceptions. Bagg emphasizes that traditional methods like fact-checking are insufficient; instead, transforming social identities is crucial. He suggests that collective experiences and organizing can reshape trust in institutions, ultimately enhancing democracy by bridging divides and fostering inclusive identities.