The Illusory Truth Effect

Fake news includes:

• Misrepresented information
• News items are taken out of context
• Failing to check facts or do background research
• Using claims from unreliable sources at face value
• Parodies

There is so much skewed news, that we have a difficult time trying to figure out what to pay attention to and what to disregard. We also sometimes lack the expertise to assess accuracy.

The trickle of information pollution, like air pollution, builds up over time. The more we are exposed to it, the more likely we are to pick up false beliefs that are hard to get rid of.

People that spread propaganda rely on repetition to change the beliefs and values of other people.

Propaganda can be used to improve public health or boost patriotism. But it can also be used to undermine political processes.

It has four distinct features:

• It is high-volume and multi-channel
• Rapid, continuous and repetitive
• It makes no commitment to objective reality
• It makes no commitment to consistency

Firehouse propaganda can include internet users who are paid to repeatedly post in forums and comment sections on social media disputing legitimate information and spreading misinformation. It pushes us towards feelings like paranoia, mistrust, and suspicion.

Information we consume is like the food we eat. If it's junk, our thinking will show that.

• Quit the news as a way of entertainment. If you want to inform yourself of something, learn from trustworthy sources.
• Engage with timeless wisdom that will improve your life.
• Stick to reliable, well-known information sources.
• Research unfamiliar sources before trusting them.
• Be aware of sites that are funded entirely by advertising.
• Don't rely on news in social media posts without sources.
• Pay attention when news items are emotionally charged, as it may be a sign of manipulation.