It is not always possible to distinguish truth from fiction. Often what seems to be true turns out to be a lie, and vice versa. It is especially difficult to distinguish truth from fakes in stressful situations. So how our mental systems work, what the effect of illusory truth is, and why is it easier for us to believe than to doubt?

Illusory Truth Effect

Salt water boils faster, vitamin C saves you from colds, and reading in dim light is harmful to your eyesight. These statements are an indestructible truth for many. We have heard them dozens of times and do not even think that they may be unreliable.

The tendency to judge false information as true after hearing it repeatedly is called the illusory truth effect. The first study of this phenomenon was conducted back in 1977. Participants were shown a series of statements that had to be rated as true or false. The experiment consisted of three levels, with a break between them lasting several weeks. Some statements were shown to participants regularly, while others were heard or seen only once. As a result, more participants identified as true those statements that they had seen earlier and encountered more often.

Recognizing the psychology behind why people believe fake information empowers individuals, particularly in the realm of online casinos where players may encounter enticing offers like lightning roulette free demo, fostering a sense of empowerment to make informed choices and enjoy authentic experiences.

This kind of experiment was carried out many times, and each time the researchers came to the conclusion: the more often we encounter the same information, the more trust it inspires in us.

Even a small repeated piece of information is enough to create the effect of illusory truth. In Thinking Slow, Decide Fast, Daniel Kahneman points out that if people have repeatedly heard a non-factual phrase like “the body temperature of a chicken,” they are likely to believe a statement with any number, such as “temperature.” The chicken’s body temperature is 95°.

Why Is It Easier to Believe Than to Doubt?

When we encounter familiar information, we experience a feeling of cognitive ease and do not burden our brain with unnecessary doubts.

The following example task also clearly shows how quickly we process information. If it takes five machines five minutes to make five items, how long will it take 100 machines to make 100 items: 100 minutes or five minutes?

Intuitively, there is a desire to answer “100 minutes,” but in fact the correct answer is five. But to get there, you will have to spend more time and mental effort.

Be Aware of the Blind Spot Effect

We often experience the blind spot effect and believe that we are protected from cognitive biases. But people of high intelligence and ability are also susceptible to believing fake news, so the first thing we need to do is accept that we are not immune. The illusory truth effect works for everyone. And realizing that anyone can fall under its influence is the first step to combating false facts.

Be Critical of Any Facts

Before you assume a statement is true, ask yourself the questions, “How do I know this?” and “Where did I hear about this?” Then it is necessary to conduct a fact check, which will allow you to find out how true the information is. Research shows that testing a statement you hear for the first time can significantly reduce the strength of the illusory truth effect in the future.

Pay Attention to Details

It is necessary to pay attention to the nuances of the message: the presence of reliable sources, links, the quality of grammar, peculiarities of vocabulary, lack of neutrality, increased emotionality, and value judgments.

In many areas that influence our future, there are professionals who know how the mechanisms of information perception work. Technologies make it easier to spread false news. The awareness that any facts can be lies, the habit of double-checking everything and attention to your own emotions will help you find yourself in the most truthful reality.