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In a groundbreaking study, researchers have uncovered new insights into why some people deliberately cling to false information even when it can be easily disproven. The research, published in the Journal of Social Psychology, reveals that for certain individuals, endorsing misinformation represents a symbolic victory rather than a factual error.
Researchers Randy Stein from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and Abraham Rutchick from California State University, Northridge conducted an extensive study involving 5,535 participants across eight countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their goal was to understand the psychology behind why people believed and spread pandemic-related misinformation, such as claims that 5G networks caused the virus.
“The strongest predictor of whether someone believed in COVID-19-related misinformation and risks related to the vaccine was whether they viewed COVID-19 prevention efforts in terms of symbolic strength and weakness,” the researchers noted. This mindset—focusing on whether an action makes one appear to resist or “give in” to outside influence—proved more influential than political beliefs, thinking style, or general attitudes toward COVID-19.
The study measured this tendency by asking participants to rate their agreement with statements like “Following coronavirus prevention guidelines means you have backed down” and “Continuous coronavirus coverage in the media is a sign we are losing.” Those who agreed with such statements seemed to view endorsing misinformation as a way to demonstrate resistance against perceived enemies or controlling forces.
For people with this symbolic mindset, factual accuracy becomes secondary to displaying independence from outside influence. The researchers suggest that for these individuals, the more easily disproven a statement is, the more powerful it feels to endorse it—essentially turning misinformation into a show of strength.
In a separate study focused on cryptocurrency attitudes, the researchers found that participants who viewed crypto investment as a symbol of independence from traditional finance were also more likely to believe in various conspiracy theories, including government concealment of alien contact evidence.
The research revealed a strong connection between this symbolic thinking pattern and authoritarian attitudes, including beliefs that certain groups should dominate others and support for autocratic governments. This connection helps explain why authoritarian leaders often use misinformation strategically to impress and control populations.
These findings highlight significant challenges in combating misinformation through traditional fact-checking approaches. When people prioritize symbolic strength over factual accuracy, providing correct information may be ineffective or even counterproductive, as debunkers might be viewed as reactive and therefore “weak.”
The researchers cited former President Donald Trump’s incorrect 2025 claim about crime rates in Washington D.C. as an example. While this statement generated numerous fact-checks, to someone with a symbolic mindset, these corrections merely demonstrated that fact-checkers were reacting, positioning them as the weaker party in a psychological contest.
For symbolic thinkers, the researchers suggest, almost any statement can be justified. More outlandish or easily disproved claims might actually make the person seem more powerful when they refuse to back down, creating a perverse form of perceived authenticity.
The study also explores whether symbolic but untrue beliefs might serve strategic purposes, such as loyalty tests or negotiation tactics. Drawing on political theorist Murray Edelman’s work on political symbolism, the researchers note that politicians often prefer scoring symbolic points over delivering tangible results—particularly when they have little concrete benefit to offer constituents.
This research provides valuable context for understanding the persistence of misinformation in contemporary society, suggesting that addressing the symbolic needs that drive some individuals to embrace falsehoods may be as important as correcting the misinformation itself.
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12 Comments
Fascinating research, though not entirely surprising given the role of identity, tribalism, and motivated reasoning in the spread of misinformation. The finding that a preference for symbolic strength trumps political ideology is a valuable addition to our understanding of this complex issue.
Agreed. This goes beyond simple ideological divides and taps into deeper psychological factors. Effective solutions will require nuanced, multi-pronged strategies that address these underlying motivations.
The link between misinformation and a need for symbolic strength is a really important insight. It suggests that fact-checking and debunking alone may not be enough – we need to understand and address the psychological drivers that lead people to embrace false claims in the first place.
Absolutely. This research highlights the complexity of the misinformation challenge and the need for holistic, evidence-based approaches that go beyond just correcting the facts.
The link between endorsing misinformation and a preference for symbolic strength is a concerning finding. It highlights how misinformation can become a proxy for personal identity and resistance, rather than a reflection of reality. Addressing this dynamic will be crucial.
Absolutely. Misinformation is not just a knowledge gap, but a complex psychological phenomenon. Effective strategies will need to go beyond simply correcting the facts.
Fascinating research on the psychological drivers behind misinformation. Seems like a need for symbolic strength and resistance to outside influence plays a bigger role than ideology or logic. Curious to see how this plays out in the real world.
That’s a good point. Symbolic thinking can definitely trump rational analysis when it comes to sensitive issues. Understanding these psychological factors is key to tackling misinformation effectively.
This study provides valuable insights into the complex human psychology behind the spread of misinformation. The finding that a desire for symbolic strength is a stronger predictor than political views is quite surprising and worth further exploration.
I agree, this research challenges some common assumptions. It suggests we need to address the underlying psychological needs that drive people towards misinformation, not just focus on the facts.
This is a really thought-provoking study. The idea that misinformation can serve as a symbol of defiance rather than a factual belief is quite eye-opening. It underscores the need for multi-faceted approaches to combat the spread of false claims.
Yes, the researchers have uncovered an important dynamic that public health and fact-checking efforts will need to grapple with. Appealing to logic alone may not be enough.