The Psychology of a Lie: Why We Believe Fake News and What to Do About It

We are living in an age of misinformation, but why do some lies spread faster than the truth? In this provocative episode, materials scientist Dr. Chris DeArmitt breaks down the science behind why our brains are so susceptible to misinformation, and how it's being used to fuel massive global movements. He reveals how a personal experience with a falsehood taught to his children led him to dedicate years of unpaid research to debunking myths about plastics and the environment. This conversation is an eye-opening exploration into cognitive dissonance, the illusory truth effect, and the simple but difficult act of seeking facts over fiction.