The misinformation effect combined with the confirmation bias is dangerous.
The Misinformation Effect
The misinformation effect was first studied in the 1970s by Elizabeth Loftus, a psychologist and memory expert. Her research has revealed that memory is far easier to influence than generally thought to be. The misinformation effect occurs when information is presented later interferes with the ability to retain previously encoded information. Individuals have been shown to be susceptible to incorporating misleading information into their memory when it is presented within a question. According to the experts, this effect appears to stem from memory impairment, in that suggestibility and misattribution make it harder for the individual to remember the event correctly.
The research into the phenomena shows how mentally susceptible we are to fake news, ingrained cognitive biases, and false memories. The Reboot Foundation recently released a report on this topic, outlining the nature of the misinformation crisis and offering several suggestions for addressing it.
What factors influence the misinformation effect?
Time from the event — the more time passes, the less an individual is likely to remember
State of mind at time of event – the more upset or incapacitated the individual is, the less an individual is likely to remember
Discussion and rehearsal — if the event is discussed frequently or if misinformation is introduced during these discussions…
Anticipations of misinformation — if individual is aware that misinformation may be attempted to be introduced they will be more on their guard
What increases the likelihood of the misinformation effect happening?
Age — young children and elderly adults are more susceptible
Working memory capacity — the better a person’s memory is the less susceptible they are
Personality traits play a role in how susceptible you are
Higher imagery abilities are more susceptible
Photo by ShannonThink
Confirmation Bias
Confirmation Bias is the tendency to look for information that supports, rather than rejects, one’s preconceptions. This typically occurs by interpreting evidence to confirm pre-existing beliefs while rejecting or ignoring any conflicting data. Even when we hear the other side, it is easier to reject anything that goes against what you already believe.
We are so polarized, so far apart. The two political parties are like speaking two languages. Except each side appears to get stark raving mad when they hear the other side.
Consider looking back over the last several political articles that you have read recently on social media and asking yourself the following:
Note: Please take a few minutes to think about and answer these questions.
1. Which parts did I already agree with?
2. How did I react to the points which I agreed with?
3. Did this post confirm any ideas I already had? Why?
4. Which parts did I skim over and ignore without realizing?
5. How did I react to the points which I disagreed with?
6. What if I thought the opposite of those ideas?
Being aware of confirmation bias is not easy, but with practice, it is possible to recognize the role it plays in the way you interpret information. You may want to search out disconfirming evidence.
Image by The Upturned Microscope
Final Thoughts
The complexity of confirmation bias arises partly from the fact that it is impossible to overcome it without an awareness of the concept. Even when shown evidence to contradict a biased view, we may still interpret the information in a manner that reinforces our current viewpoint. We process incoming information through a filter and confirmation bias further clouds our judgement.
Add the misinformation effect to the mix, the addition of just a few wrong pieces of information, and you have a dangerous combination that could lead large groups of people down a path of violence.
All is not lost! Starting here and now, just one person at a time, we can fight against this. Now that you know that there are people out there that are putting out misinformation and you may be going along with it because it fits with what you already believe, you can but on the breaks and start asking questions. And maybe you can challenge yourself…
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