80,000 Hours Podcast cover image

#180 – Hugo Mercier on why gullibility and misinformation are overrated

80,000 Hours Podcast

NOTE

The Influence of Existing Beliefs on Incorporating New Information

Existing beliefs act as a defensive posture where new information conflicting with these beliefs needs additional support to be incorporated. Trust in the source of information or the ability to evaluate its reasoning can enable its acceptance into beliefs. Conversely, information from untrusted sources or without personal capacity for judgment tends to be disregarded. In mass persuasion scenarios like advertising or propaganda, individuals usually base acceptance of information on its alignment with existing beliefs rather than the credibility of the source or the strength of arguments presented.

00:00
Transcript
Play full episode

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner