Why People Believe Debunked Political Misinformation

Why Do People Believe Debunked Political Misinformation?

The Psychology Behind Stubborn Political Myths

Finding someone who answers political polls by phone is rare—like spotting an endangered species. But it presents a unique opportunity to explore a puzzling question: Why do people cling to debunked claims, like "Obama is a Muslim born in Kenya," even when facts prove otherwise?

Cognitive Science Explains Misinformation’s Stickiness

In cognitive psychology, misinformation persists because:

• Our brains default to accepting claims—questioning them requires more mental effort.
• Motivated reasoning biases us toward beliefs that align with our worldview.
• Cognitive dissonance makes rejecting false facts uncomfortable if they support our identity.

For example, the myth of Iraq’s WMDs endured because:

1. It fit narratives about Saddam Hussein’s evil.
2. It justified the US invasion for supporters.
3. Accepting the truth would destabilize their belief system.

The Rise of Cognitive Tribalism

Group identity now drives belief more than ever. People adopt political stances as tribal affiliations, similar to sports team loyalty. Key factors:

• Belonging: We crave connection, even through ideology.
• Mortality salience: Group identity offers symbolic immortality.
• Powerlessness: Those feeling disempowered are more likely to believe conspiracies.

Studies on Group Bias and Misinformation

• A 2017 study found less-educated individuals were more prone to conspiracy theories, linking belief to feelings of powerlessness.
• A 2010 study showed that strong group identity increases acceptance of untruths that vilify outsiders.

Case Study: The Obama Birth Myth

One poll respondent admitted she didn’t truly believe Obama was foreign-born but answered "yes" to:

• Protest his policies (e.g., the Affordable Care Act).
• Solidify her identity within an anti-Obama bloc.

This mirrors sports fandom: Patriots fans insist Tom Brady is the best, despite stats, because loyalty outweighs facts.

Political Polarization and In-Group Bias

Cognitive tribalism intensifies with polarization. Examples:

• Liberals: 40% once believed 9/11 was an inside job (2007 poll).
• Conservatives: 72% doubted Obama’s US birth (2016 NBC poll).

Why? Attacks on a leader feel like attacks on the group, triggering defensive doubling down.

The Science of "Us vs. Them"

In-group bias, identified as early as 1906, explains:

• Favoritism toward our "tribe."
• Contempt for outsiders.
• Resistance to facts threatening group identity.

Key Takeaways

1. Misinformation sticks due to cognitive ease and identity protection.
2. Tribal affiliations override factual accuracy.
3. Powerlessness and polarization fuel conspiracy beliefs.

For deeper insights, explore Mindful’s coverage of cognitive bias.