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MEDIA LITERACY

Brain Science of Misinformation: Why False Beliefs Stick
Humans

Brain Science of Misinformation: Why False Beliefs Stick

Your brain's reward pathways make misinformation neurologically addictive: dopamine surges when information confirms existing beliefs, the amygdala cements emotionally charged claims into memory, and repeated exposure creates an "illusory truth effect" where familiarity masquerades as accuracy. Social media platforms exploit these circuits with algorithmic precision, creating echo chambers that feel rewarding at a chemical level. The good news? Neuroplasticity means your brain can be retraine...

Why Fake News Spreads Faster Than Truth—and How to Stop It
Society

Why Fake News Spreads Faster Than Truth—and How to Stop It

False information spreads six times faster than truth on social media due to a toxic combination of cognitive biases, algorithmic amplification, and economic incentives. Confirmation bias and emotional manipulation make our brains vulnerable to misinformation, while platform algorithms prioritize engagement over accuracy, creating echo chambers that reinforce false beliefs. Real-world case studies from COVID-19 and election disinformation reveal sophisticated tactics exploiting these vulnerab...

Why We Think Propaganda Only Affects Others
Humans

Why We Think Propaganda Only Affects Others

The third‑person effect is our tendency to believe propaganda and persuasive media influence others far more than ourselves—a bias exploited by political campaigns, advertisers, and social media algorithms. Research shows we systematically overestimate our immunity to manipulation while underestimating others' critical thinking, leading to support for censorship and vulnerability to targeted misinformation. The only effective counter? Recognizing that we're all susceptible, cultivating metaco...

Cognitive Fluency Bias: Why Familiar Ideas Seem True
Humans

Cognitive Fluency Bias: Why Familiar Ideas Seem True

Cognitive fluency bias makes familiar information feel more true, even when it's false. This psychological shortcut—where ease of processing signals credibility—shapes everything from advertising to politics. By 2030, algorithms will engineer repetition at unprecedented scale, making awareness of this bias essential. Simple interventions like pausing to ask "Why does this feel right?" can neutralize the effect, empowering you to distinguish genuine truth from manufactured familiarity.

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