Ep 29: Why do people share false information — and what can we do about it?
PsychCrunch
00:00
Repeating false information can reinforce misconceptions, but correcting them helps
For correcting misconceptions, simply repeating the initial misconception can actually help, as long as it is followed by a clear reminder that it is false and preferably an explanation./nRepeating information without a correction can make it more familiar and believable due to the illusory truth effect./nIn contrast to the illusory truth effect, the familiarity backfire effect, where repeating information in the context of a correction reinforces the misconception, has little evidence to support it./nThere is a distinction between misinformation (unintentional) and disinformation (intentional). While correcting misinformation may be effective, disinformation is posted with intent for personal gain.
Transcript
Play full episode
