It's our tendency to believe false information to be correct after repeated exposure to it.

The illusory truth effect is the reason why advertising and propaganda works.

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.

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.

The typical explanation is that our brains take shortcuts to save energy:

• Statements presented in as easy-to-read color are judged as more likely to be true.
• Aphorisms that rhyme (like “what sobriety conceals, alcohol reveals") seem more accurate than non-rhymi...

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 muc...