Rethinking the Misinformation Paradox - On distrust, power, and the real roots of deception

Misinformation is often framed as a modern crisis, an unstoppable force shaping elections, fuelling division and eroding trust. But what if the problem is not what we think it is? What if the real issue lies not in the spread of false information but in how we perceive it, fear it and respond to it? In this episode of Matters of Consequence, host Michael Hanf speaks with Dr. Sacha Altay, an experimental psychologist and researcher at the University of Zurich, whose work challenges the alarmist narratives around misinformation. Sacha’s research reveals that exposure to misinformation is far lower than we assume, that people are less gullible than we think and that misinformation is often a symptom of deeper societal issues like distrust in institutions, polarization and the way power shapes what we believe. Sacha shares his journey from believing in conspiracy theories as a teenager to becoming a leading voice in misinformation research. He explains why social dynamics like group identity and conformity often play a bigger role in shaping beliefs than algorithms or micro targeting. And he offers a provocative perspective: What if the solution is not just fighting misinformation but rebuilding trust in reliable sources and strengthening the institutions that hold society together? Why listen?Discover why misinformation is less about exposure and more about perception and how this changes the way we should address it.Explore the psychological and social mechanisms that allow misinformation to spread, from the third person effect to the role of powerful actors.Understand why current interventions like fact checking and media literacy might be missing the mark and what alternatives could work better.Reflect on the tension between fear and reality in the misinformation debate and how we can move toward more effective, human centred solutions.Gain insights into how distrust in institutions fuels the problem and why rebuilding trust might be the key to combating misinformation. Whether you are a researcher, policymaker or simply someone trying to navigate the complexities of the modern information landscape, this conversation offers a thoughtful, nuanced and actionable perspective on one of the most pressing issues of our time. Keywords: misinformation, disinformation, trust, social media, psychology, cognitive science, polarization, third person effect, fact checking, media literacy, institutional trust, power dynamics, Sacha Altay, Matters of Consequence, information ecosystem, algorithmic bias, micro targeting, conspiracy theories, public discourse Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.