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Believing misinformation is a “win” for some people, even when proven false (arstechnica.com)

submitted 1 month ago by Catoblepas@piefed.blahaj.zone to c/science@mander.xyz

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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. In other words, this group focused on whether an action would make them appear to fend off or “give in” to untoward influence.

[…]

Our findings highlight the limits of countering misinformation directly, because for some people, literal truth is not the point.

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[–] TubularTittyFrog@lemmy.world 3 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (1 children)

yeah, metaphorically punching them in the face.

people like this tend to only respond well visceral reality right in front of their faces. just think of how addicts have to 'bottom' before they seek recovery... it's basically the same issue. they have to visible see the horrible negative consequences of what they are doing to themselves. you can't 'win' these people over by appealing to them... shock therapy is really the only think.

and a lot of them will tell you how they were 'shocked' at some point into their lives out of their previous beliefs.

[–] acockworkorange@mander.xyz 1 points 1 month ago

Can you you give an example?