In a post-truth world, this false belief researcher offers a simple three-step recipe for building trust and finding common ground. Hint: It starts by recognizing you might be wrong.
UC San Francisco Psychiatry Professor Joseph Pierre, MD, has spent decades working with patients with delusions and mental illness, while also writing about delusion-like beliefs held by otherwise healthy people. In his new book, False: How Mistrust, Disinformation, and Motivated Reasoning Make Us Believe Things that Arenât True . Pierre reveals how many of us are more susceptible than we think to false beliefs. We wanted to find out why â and ask the million-dollar question: What should you do when a loved one falls for misinformation?
Youâve coined the term âconfirmation bias on steroidsâ to explain our present moment. What do you mean?
When I was a kid in the â70s, searching for information, Iâd go to the library and pick out a book or consult an encyclopedia. Today, we get on our cell phones and type a question into a search engine, but search and social media algorithms are programmed to give us information based on our previous searches. If you and I conduct a Google search using the exact same terms, weâll get different results based on our previous experiences.
Confirmation bias is something our brains do: Weâre already biased towards information that we want to see, but the algorithms we use to search for information today are also geared towards reinforcing the things we believe â itâs a double whammy. So thatâs why, I argue in my book, that today weâre susceptible to âconfirmation bias on steroids.â
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Introduction to the Commonwealth Club
- The meeting is hosted by Eric Siegel, chair of the Personal Growth Forum at the Commonwealth Club, which has recently merged with World Affairs.
- The club invites the online audience to visit its website for further information.
The Importance of Addressing False Narratives
- Eric Siegel introduces the topic of false narratives, referencing Jonathan Swiftâs quote about the rapid spread of falsehoods compared to the slow arrival of truth.
- He emphasizes the dangers posed by false beliefs and conspiracy theories, which can undermine democracy and lead to societal issues such as mistrust in institutions and increased tribalism.
- The discussion aims to explore the psychological impact of misinformation and how individuals and society can combat false beliefs.
Introduction of Doctor Joe Pierre
- Doctor Joe Pierre, a psychiatrist and expert on delusions and false beliefs, is invited to speak, having previously led a successful talk at the club.
- Pierre is a clinical professor at UCSF and has authored over 100 scientific papers, including a book titled âFalse: How Mistrust, Disinformation, and Motivated Reasoning Make Us Believe Things That Arenât True.â
- He aims to discuss the effects of misinformation and how to avoid acting on false beliefs.
Understanding False Beliefs
- Doctor Pierre begins by discussing the prevalence of false beliefs, stating that everyone holds beliefs that may not be true, ranging from self-deception to incorrect facts.
- He distinguishes between legitimate debates on uncertain topics and the more concerning issue of alternative facts, which are false beliefs held despite clear evidence to the contrary.
- Pierre highlights the growing impact of personal dogma on society, suggesting that it poses significant threats to humanity, particularly in the context of politicized beliefs related to health care and climate change.
The Concept of âSuicide by False Beliefâ
- Pierre introduces the provocative phrase âsuicide by false belief,â arguing that the consequences of rising false beliefs could lead to disastrous outcomes, especially in public health and safety.
- He provides examples, such as vaccine hesitancy, which has significant health implications for individuals and communities.
- The discussion emphasizes the need for awareness regarding the dangers of misinformation, especially in the context of ongoing public health crises.
The Impact of Vaccine Hesitancy
- Pierre cites a 2024 Gallup poll indicating that a significant percentage of U.S. adults remain uncertain about vaccine safety, with many believing vaccines cause autism.
- He notes a troubling increase in the belief that vaccines are more dangerous than the diseases they prevent, which has led to decreased vaccination rates and increased outbreaks of preventable diseases.
- The consequences of vaccine hesitancy are evident in the rising number of flu deaths and localized measles outbreaks, underscoring the urgent need for public education on vaccine safety.
Climate Change Denial
- Pierre transitions to discussing climate change, noting that while belief in anthropogenic climate change has increased, a substantial minority still denies its existence or attributes it to natural causes.
- He highlights the recent record-high temperatures and severe weather events linked to climate change, yet many remain unconvinced of its human origins.
- The discussion emphasizes that denial of climate change can lead to catastrophic environmental consequences, similar to those seen with vaccine hesitancy.
Political Consequences of False Beliefs
- Pierre discusses the political ramifications of false beliefs, suggesting that misinformation about crime rates, immigration, and economic conditions influenced the outcome of the 2024 presidential election.
- He warns of the rise of authoritarianism and the potential erosion of democratic institutions as a result of widespread misinformation.
- The talk highlights the importance of addressing false beliefs to safeguard democratic processes and promote informed decision-making.
The Psychology Behind False Beliefs
- Pierre delves into the psychological mechanisms that lead individuals to cling to false beliefs, including cognitive biases and motivated reasoning.
- He explains that individuals often rely on subjective experiences and internal narratives, which can distort their understanding of reality.
- The discussion emphasizes the need for greater awareness of these cognitive processes to combat misinformation effectively.
The Role of Mistrust and Misinformation
- Pierre introduces his three M model: mistrust, misinformation, and motivated reasoning, which he argues are fundamental to understanding why people believe falsehoods.
- He discusses how epistemic mistrust leads individuals to reject mainstream scientific sources, making them susceptible to misinformation.
- The prevalence of misinformation in the digital age complicates the ability to discern truth from falsehood, as unreliable sources often present themselves as credible.
Combatting Misinformation
- Pierre suggests several strategies for individuals and society to combat misinformation, including fostering intellectual humility and promoting critical thinking skills.
- He advocates for transparency and engagement from institutions of authority to rebuild public trust.
- Education systems should incorporate media literacy and the philosophy of science to help individuals navigate the complex information landscape.
The Call for Activism
- In closing, Pierre emphasizes the need for activism to address the rise of false beliefs and their societal impacts, urging individuals to engage in political processes and community discussions.
- He stresses the importance of standing up for science and evidence-based policies to combat the threats posed by misinformation.
- The talk concludes with a call to action for individuals to participate actively in preserving democratic institutions and promoting truth.