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

80,000 Hours Podcast

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Fake News Is Likely to Entrench Opinion More Than It Is Likely to Change It

The prevalence of misleading content might not lead people to change their opinions frequently. Instead, individuals might become less inclined to alter their views as they could feel incapable of discerning the truth behind complex arguments or manipulated content. If individuals start recognizing that they can be easily deceived by false information, they might choose to stick with their existing beliefs rather than updating them. The foundation of belief typically relies more on reputation than technical possibilities, with trust in reputable sources shaping opinions. In a scenario where trustworthy sources lose credibility, people may become indifferent or stubborn, resulting in minimal persuasion and a stagnant mindset.

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