Winning with misinformation: New research identifies link between endorsing easily disproven claims and prioritizing symbolic strength

Some people reject facts not because they’re misinformed—but because it makes them feel powerful. New research in The Journal of Social Psychology explores how, for a certain subset of people, clinging to obvious falsehoods is less about truth and more about symbolism. These “symbolic thinkers” treat misinformation as a show of strength—proof that they can’t be swayed or controlled. In their world, facts are flexible, but defiance is absolute—and the more absurd the claim, the bolder the performance. Randy Stein with The Conversation has the full story.

Randy Stein

The Conversation

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