Brain, Media, Manipulation: Why we believe in fakes

[Carding]

Have you noticed how often you believe in news when you see it for the second time?

Imagine scrolling through your social media feed and seeing the headline: "Flight attendant slaps 7-month-old baby in the face for crying during flight."

Such sensational news instantly attracts attention and causes complex emotions. But what happens if you encounter this news repeatedly? Moreover, what will be your reaction if it turns out that the title is completely made up?

A study published in 2023 in the journal Psychological Science used this particular headline along with seven other catchy but false headlines. Scientists wanted to understand the impact of repeated repetition of sensational false information on our consciousness.

The study identified two psychological effects that play a key role in shaping our judgments about news-clickbait and moral abusers:

The effect of moral repetition​

This effect consists in the fact that repeated encounters with the same reports of misconduct over time reduce the tendency of people to question their ethical consequences.

This dullness is due to the fact that with each repetition, our emotional responses, especially anger, weaken. This process is called the "affective desensitization mechanism." A lower level of anger leads to less severe moral assessments of the violation.

The illusory Truth effect​

Another disturbing aspect of moral desensitization is related to the"illusory truth effect." This cognitive bias lies in the fact that when we encounter information repeatedly, we tend to perceive it as more plausible, even if in fact it is not.

In the context of viral content, this effect increases the effect of moral repetition. The more often we hear about a misdemeanor, the more likely we are to believe that it is true (even if it is fiction). and all the more softly we assess its ethical consequences.

Researchers suggest several steps that will help us maintain our values and objective judgments:

• Verify facts and responsibly

Sensational news is often aimed at provoking an emotional reaction, playing on our indignation and desire to participate in the discussion. Before accepting information at face value, check the reliability of the source and carefully evaluate the content. This will ensure that the information provided is accurate, ethical, and consistent with your principles before sharing it with others.

• Maintain a balanced worldview

Research multiple sources and opinions to avoid getting caught up in the cycle of one-sided narratives. Although the desire to believe in justice and honesty is natural, it is necessary to approach negative news critically and not jump to conclusions. Use caution when making claims until you are sure they are true. This will help you keep an objective view of the situation.

• Develop emotional awareness

Be attuned to your emotional responses. If you find yourself losing your sensitivity to disturbing news, take a step back and think about its ethical implications. Creating some distance can also help you stay connected to your value system and sense of self. Immerse yourself in the news and social networks only if you are ready for it emotionally.

In a world flooded with viral stories, it's important to understand their psychological impact on our moral judgments. Repeated exposure to shocking news can blunt our morale and distort our perception of the truth. As responsible consumers of information, we must remain vigilant, challenge the narratives we encounter, and carefully consider the long-term consequences of our digital activities. Armed with this knowledge, we will be able to preserve our moral principles.