Sander van der Linden

In the latest episode of Nature hits the books, psychologist Sander van der Linden joins us to discuss his new book Foolproof, which focuses on misinformation and what can be done to prevent people being duped, particularly by the falsehoods found online.We discuss how misinformation messages are crafted, why they can be hard to shake once someone is exposed, and how Star Wars: Episode 3 helped in the fight against them…Foolproof, Sander van der Linden, Fourth Estate (2023)Music supplied by Airae/Epidemic Sound/Getty images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Social psychologist Sander van der Linden discusses the role of critical thinking in resisting misinformation. Topics include the illusory truth effect, conjunction fallacy, and inoculation as a strategy to combat misinformation. Gain insights on improving critical thinking skills in today's digital landscape.

Sander van der Linden, a Professor of Social Psychology at Cambridge University, tackles the critical issue of misinformation. He introduces the idea of psychological inoculation as a vaccine against falsehoods, drawing on insights from his book, 'Foolproof.' The conversation covers the distinction between misinformation and disinformation, exploring how cognitive biases make individuals susceptible. Van der Linden also discusses innovative strategies, like educational approaches and partnerships, to build resilience against misinformation in today's digital landscape.

Katy Balls, Political editor at The Spectator, shares insights on Wes Streeting's controversial stance on assisted dying and its implications for Keir Starmer. Matt Ridley discusses the alarming rise of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fueled by medical misinformation, while Sander van der Linden highlights the UK's vulnerability to such falsehoods. Meanwhile, Alka Pande explores the cultural significance of phallic graffiti, revealing its historical roots and contrasting perceptions between Western and Indian interpretations.