Debunking, verification, and fact checking are often used interchangeably, sometimes causing confusion, but there are differences. Many of us might be familiar with the series MythBusters, which specialised in testing urban legends, popular myths, and movie scenes. Each episode disproves…
When we come across theories that differ from our worldview we are faced with two alternatives. Either we can embrace the new theory and change our worldview, or we can reject the new theory. Normally most people will do the…
Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for, interpret, focus on, and remember information in a way that confirms one’s preconceptions. What this means is that we tend to remember things that we already know and agree with, whereas we seem…
It is well known that there are a lot of well described and well understood psychological mechanisms in play when we consume information and try to understand the world based on them. Researchers believe that some of the psychological mechanisms…
Breaking out of the information bubbles is essential for maintaining a healthy public discourse and democracy. It is important to raise public awareness about the algorithms used by search engines and social media platforms and their impact on our lives.…
An information bubble is created when people primarily, or exclusively, consume information from the same type of sources, or with the same type of agenda or political viewpoint. The consequences of information bubbles can be significant. They can lead to…
Our social influences play a significant role in how we choose to receive information. People seek information about what their peers believe and do in order to avoid social exclusion or just to feel part of a group. This is…
People today have access to a vast array of informational resources, ranging from online search engines like Google and social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, to simple mailing lists and WhatsApp groups. However, the abundance of information available can…
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There are many reasons for starting to believe in conspiracy theories. As we have seen some people may even be predisposed to this by being part of certain groups or having lived through certain experiences. Some conspiracy theories may match…
An important distinction to make is “how much” people believe in a theory. Is the belief strong enough to mobilise people into action? We don’t see any riots or marches based on whether or not we landed on the Moon…
Conspiracy theories can be found in every corner of the globe and in every aspect of life. They can be about politics, economics, science, the media, and even pop culture. Some conspiracy theories are widely believed, like that the 2020…
Here is an another excerpt from our upcoming e-book for youth workers on critical thinking and conspiracy theories: Karl Popper is one the most famous theorists that have dealt with the subject of conspiracies. According to him, people often get…
Here is an excerpt from our upcoming e-book for youth workers on critical thinking and conspiracy theories: Conspiratorial thinking is all about mistrust – distrust in authorities, in mainstream media, in what “most people” think. If you are to help…
Partners are busy working on the Critical balance e-book. The book will try to shed a light on the different aspects of why young people end up believing in conspiracy theories, and how to help them to get a more…