science

14783 readers

41 users here now

A community to post scientific articles, news, and civil discussion.

rule #1: be kind

<--- rules currently under construction, see current pinned post.

2024-11-11

founded 1 year ago

MODERATORS

275

Many voters are willing to accept misinformation from political leaders – even when they know it’s factually inaccurate, if they believe the statements evoke a deeper, more important “truth.” (theconversation.com)

submitted 3 weeks ago by solrize to c/science

54 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Many voters are willing to accept misinformation from political leaders – even when they know it’s factually inaccurate. According to our research, voters often recognize when their parties’ claims are not based on objective evidence. Yet they still respond positively, if they believe these inaccurate statements evoke a deeper, more important “truth.”

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments

[–] EleventhHour 18 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

This is merely a function/mechanic of self-delusion. But, then again, I’m sure everyone here already realizes that.

[–] solrize 5 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago) (2 children)

I dunno. The story of George Washington and the cherry tree is surely factually false, but it is ok as a parable. The higher truth evoked is that people should be honest. The irony is in dishonestly presenting the story as fact, of course.

[–] bamfic 4 points 3 weeks ago

His teeth were not wooden. They were pulled from the mouths of healthy slaves. Before novocaine was invented.

[–] EleventhHour 1 points 3 weeks ago

I do know. People will convince them of whatever they want if they’re desperate enough. It’s self-delusion.