Steven Pinker: Why Smart People Believe Stupid Things
Honestly with Bari Weiss
00:00
Perception vs. Reality of Misinformation
The argument that misinformation significantly influenced Donald Trump's electoral wins and subsequent support for the 2020 election claims is questioned. Analyses suggest that the actual reach and impact of fake news are minimal, indicating that only a specific audience accepts such narratives. There is a distinction between mere belief and active agreement, as many people may view sensational content critically rather than embrace it. The existence of cognitive filters for credibility suggests that those who align with extreme viewpoints often disregard these filters, leading to a misrepresentation of misinformation's influence.
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