Misinformation poses a critical challenge in the modern information landscape, with far-reaching consequences for public health, democracy, and societal trust. Cognitive biases play a pivotal role in shaping susceptibility to misinformation by influencing how individuals interpret and evaluate information. One prominent example is confirmation bias, which drives people to seek, interpret, and prioritize information that aligns with their pre-existing beliefs while dismissing contradictory evidence. This bias not only exacerbates the spread of false narratives but also entrenches individuals in polarized views, undermining efforts to foster informed decision-making. In this talk, I will explore the mechanisms by which cognitive biases, particularly confirmation bias, contribute to the acceptance and dissemination of misinformation. Drawing on recent research, I will discuss the impact of interventions aimed at increasing awareness of cognitive biases. I will focus on our recent study involving 1,479 participants, which demonstrated that targeted education about confirmation bias significantly reduced susceptibility to misinformation, especially among those holding the most negative initial attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines. These findings underscore the importance of leveraging insights into cognitive biases to develop strategies for mitigating misinformation and promoting critical information processing. By understanding the interplay between cognitive biases and misinformation, we can design more effective interventions and communication strategies to combat the challenges posed by the digital age. This talk will provide a framework for addressing these issues, emphasizing the role of awareness and education in fostering a more informed and resilient society. Funded from the means of the Norway and EEA Grants No. 2024/43/7/HS6/00002

Authors:
Rafal Rygula, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland

About the Presenter(s)
Professor Rafal Rygula is a University Associate Professor/Senior Lecturer at Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences in Poland

See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule

Bookmark