2024-12-05 00:28:00
AGI – Naive and unwary peopel are generally less capable of recognizing fake news and, together with distrustful adults, are more prone to conspiratorial thoughts and hesitation towards vaccines.A study,published in the journal Plos Global Public Health,conducted by scientists at University College London,reaches this conclusion. The team, led by Michal Tanzer, rebuilt the profile of users most inclined to believe fake news and conspiracy theories. Epistemic trust, experts explain, is the readiness to consider knowledge communicated by others as meaningful, self-relevant and generalizable to other contexts. The interruption of the ability to balance epistemic trust can undermine the mechanism that requires rapid and efficient control and updating of social knowledge and which underlies psychological disorders. Researchers have investigated how vulnerability generated by disruptions in epistemic trust can impact not only psychological resilience and interpersonal processes, but also aspects of more general social functioning. Specifically, the authors conducted two studies to examine the role of epistemic trust in determining the ability to recognize fake news from real news and susceptibility to conspiracy thinking.
The research team considered two different types of epistemic interruption: mistrust, which implies the tendency to refuse or avoid any communicationand gullibility, in which details is received with insufficient discrimination, making the recipient vulnerable to fake news. In total, 705 and 502 adults resident in the UK were involved, respectively, who completed online questionnaires. The results revealed that individuals with high gullibility were poorer at distinguishing between fake and real news and more likely to believe fake news. mistrust and gullibility were factors responsible for driving the relationship between exposure to childhood adversity and difficulty distinguishing between fake and real news, although the effect sizes were quite small. Given the nature of the investigation, the scholars note that it was not possible to determine causal relationships, but the data suggests that effective public health interventions may need to directly address and attempt to reverse mistrust and gullibility.
Further investigations will be necessary to understand whether the results obtained are generalizable to other contexts. “We sought to explore the socio-cognitive processes associated with two of the most urgent problems of global public health in the contemporary digital era – conclude the authors – the alarming spread of fake news and the collapse of collective trust in information sources. Our research seeks to explore possible psychological mechanisms at work in shaping individuals’ responses to public information.”
What is the role of epistemic trust in combating misinformation and fake news?
Interview with Michal Tanzer: Understanding the Impact of Epistemic Trust on Fake News Belief
Editor: Thank you for joining us,Michal. Your recent study published in Plos Global Public Health sheds light on a pressing issue: the susceptibility to fake news and conspiracy theories. Can you start by explaining what epistemic trust is?
Michal Tanzer: Thank you for having me. Epistemic trust refers to our willingness to accept knowledge from others as credible and relevant. It’s a critical mechanism that helps us navigate an increasingly complex information landscape. When our capacity for epistemic trust is disrupted—either through gullibility or deep mistrust—we become vulnerable to misinformation.
Editor: That’s interesting. your research explored two key types of epistemic interruption: mistrust and gullibility.How do these factors influence our ability to distinguish between fake news and real news?
Michal Tanzer: Yes,our findings show that individuals who exhibit high levels of gullibility struggle considerably in telling apart fake news from factual information. They tend to accept details without proper scrutiny, making them easy targets for misinformation. Conversely,those with a high level of mistrust frequently enough avoid communications altogether. Both pathways lead to difficulty in processing reliable information, underscoring how critical epistemic trust is in today’s media environment.
Editor: You mentioned that the study involved a sizable UK sample. What were some key insights from the results?
Michal Tanzer: Absolutely.We surveyed over 1,200 adults and found that both mistrust and gullibility were correlated with a person’s capability to identify fake news. Additionally,we observed a link between childhood adversity and increased difficulty in distinguishing truth from lies. It’s vital to note that while our findings indicate a correlation, they do not establish causation.
Editor: Considering these insights, what implications do you see for public health campaigns, especially in combating misinformation and conspiracy theories?
Michal Tanzer: Our research implies that effective public health interventions should directly target and attempt to reverse both mistrust and gullibility. This could involve educational programs aimed at promoting critical thinking skills and fostering resilience in social contexts. By enhancing individuals’ epistemic trust, we may empower them to engage more critically with the information they consume.
Editor: As misinformation continues to spread globally, what practical advice would you offer to individuals for regaining their ability to distinguish real news from misinformation?
Michal Tanzer: One key piece of advice is to actively seek out credible sources and pay attention to the context of information.being critical doesn’t mean being cynical; it’s about cultivating a healthy skepticism and verifying facts through reliable channels before accepting information as truth. Engaging in community discussions can also foster a deeper understanding and create a support network where information is shared responsibly.
editor: You’ve discussed the psychological mechanisms driving misinformation susceptibility.What are the next steps for your research team?
Michal tanzer: Future investigations will focus on weather our findings can be generalized across various contexts and demographics. we aim to explore deeper psychological mechanisms that shape responses to public information, as understanding these nuances is vital in combating the ongoing challenges posed by fake news and restoring trust in information sources.
Editor: Thank you, Michal.Your insights are invaluable,especially as we navigate the complexities of the digital information age. We look forward to seeing the outcomes of your future research.
Michal Tanzer: Thank you for having me! it’s been a pleasure discussing this important topic.