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New research reveals that for some individuals, embracing misinformation is more about demonstrating symbolic power than determining factual accuracy. A comprehensive study led by Randy Stein, associate professor of marketing at California State Polytechnic University, has shed light on why people continue to believe in easily disproven claims despite contrary evidence.
The research team surveyed 5,535 individuals across eight countries, focusing on why people believe misinformation such as the debunked claim that “5G networks cause the virus” during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their findings, published in The Journal of Social Psychology, reveal surprising patterns in how misinformation spreads and persists.
According to the study, the strongest predictor of belief in COVID-19 misinformation wasn’t political ideology, thinking style, or general attitudes about the pandemic. Instead, it was whether individuals perceived COVID-19 prevention activities in terms of “symbolic strength and weakness.”
“Those who believed COVID-related misinformation often felt like they were ‘giving in’ by participating in pandemic prevention activities,” explained Stein. “For these individuals, rejecting mainstream information becomes an act of defiance and independence.”
The researchers measured participants’ agreement with statements like “Following coronavirus prevention guidelines means retreating” and “Continued media coverage of the coronavirus is a sign we’re losing.” People who endorsed these views were significantly more likely to believe in pandemic-related misinformation.
This pattern extends beyond COVID-19. In a separate experiment, the team examined attitudes toward cryptocurrencies and found that individuals who view crypto investments as symbols of independence from traditional financial systems were also more likely to believe in unrelated conspiracy theories, such as governments concealing evidence of alien contact.
The research reveals a concerning connection between symbolic thinking and authoritarian attitudes. Individuals who attribute symbolic significance to supporting falsifiable claims typically demonstrate stronger beliefs that certain groups should dominate others and express greater support for authoritarian regimes.
“This helps explain why authoritarian leaders frequently deploy misinformation as a tool to appeal to citizens,” noted the research team. “It’s not about factual accuracy; it’s about demonstrating symbolic power through defiance of conventional knowledge.”
The study references political theorist Murray Edelman, known for his work on political symbolism, who observed that politicians often prefer scoring “symbolic points” rather than delivering concrete results because it’s easier. “Leaders frequently display symbolic significance when they are unable to deliver tangible outcomes,” the researchers wrote.
This finding challenges traditional approaches to combating misinformation, which often rely on fact-checking and evidence-based corrections. For symbolic thinkers, the more outlandish or easily disproven a claim is, the more powerful its proponents appear when they continue supporting it despite contradictory evidence.
The implications extend into numerous aspects of society, from public health messaging to political campaigns. Understanding that some individuals view misinformation through a lens of symbolic strength rather than factual accuracy could reshape how organizations and governments approach information literacy initiatives.
As social media platforms continue grappling with the spread of false information, this research suggests that purely factual approaches may miss the underlying psychological motivations driving belief in misinformation. Addressing the symbolic dimension of belief systems may prove crucial in developing more effective strategies to counter harmful misinformation in an increasingly polarized information landscape.
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8 Comments
This study highlights how complex the issue of misinformation can be. Tackling it will require nuanced solutions that account for the diverse motivations behind why people embrace false claims. It’s a challenge, but an important one to address.
Well said. Simplistic approaches are unlikely to be effective. A deeper understanding of the psychological drivers is crucial for developing more targeted and effective interventions.
The idea that rejecting pandemic prevention measures is seen as a ‘show of strength’ by some is quite troubling. We need to find ways to reframe those activities in a way that doesn’t trigger that psychological response.
This is a concerning trend. Believing misinformation can have real-world consequences, especially around public health issues like COVID-19. I hope policymakers and tech companies take note and work to counter the spread of falsehoods.
Absolutely. Misinformation on sensitive topics can be incredibly damaging. A multipronged approach targeting the root causes, as this study suggests, is likely needed to make progress.
Interesting study. Misinformation can be hard to combat, especially when it aligns with someone’s ideological identity. We need more research to understand the psychology behind belief in false claims, even in the face of evidence.
Agreed. Symbolic power and the desire to resist perceived weakness seem to be key factors in perpetuating misinformation. Addressing those underlying psychological drivers will be crucial.
The finding that ideology isn’t the strongest predictor of belief in COVID misinformation is intriguing. I wonder what other social and psychological factors may be at play. More research in this area could yield valuable insights.