Why We Trust AI (And Why We Shouldn't)

Have you ever passed along something you heard from a friend without verifying its truth? Or used an answer from ChatGPT without fact-checking it first?In this episode, I delve into our instinctive trust in AI and how it mirrors our historical tendency to believe authoritative-sounding voices. From politicians and influencers to conspiracy theorists and pseudoscience, humans often prioritize compelling narratives over verified truths. AI is just the latest extension of this age-old habit.So, why do we do this? And what does it say about us?Sources & Further Reading:The Spread of True and False News OnlineVosoughi, S., Roy, D., & Aral, S. (2018).This study analyzes the differential diffusion of true and false news stories on Twitter, revealing that false news spreads more rapidly and broadly than true news.Link to studyThe Psychology of Fake NewsPennycook, G., & Rand, D. G. (2019).This research explores the cognitive mechanisms behind susceptibility to fake news, suggesting that a lack of analytical thinking contributes to the acceptance of misinformation.Link to studyReliance on Emotion Promotes Belief in Fake NewsMartel, C., Pennycook, G., & Rand, D. G. (2020).This study provides evidence that individuals who rely on emotional reasoning are more likely to believe and share fake news.Link to studyLazy, Not Biased: Susceptibility to Partisan Fake News Is Better Explained by Lack of Reasoning Than by Motivated ReasoningPennycook, G., & Rand, D. G. (2018).This paper argues that susceptibility to fake news is more closely related to cognitive laziness than to partisan bias.Link to studyWho Falls for Fake News? The Roles of Bullshit Receptivity, Overclaiming, Familiarity, and Analytic ThinkingPennycook, G., & Rand, D. G. (2019).This research identifies factors that contribute to belief in fake news, including a general tendency to accept weak claims and a lack of analytical thinking.Link to studyListen now on Acast, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.