Misinformation continues to be a growing threat in our society. Why do we fall for misinformation and what can be done about it? In this lecture, I’ll briefly describe some of the sociology that explains our susceptibility for believing false information. Then I will focus on 5 steps that can allow us to have more productive conversations with those who have developed misperceptions. Finally, I will share a few examples of when I applied these strategies in my own life.

Matthew Facciani, Ph.D., is a postdoctoral researcher at University of Notre Dame Department of Computer Science and Engineering, and he previously served as a postdoctoral researcher at Vanderbilt University in the Medicine, Health, and Society. He received a B.A. in psychology from Westminster College and M.A. and Ph.D. in sociology from the University of South Carolina. His research areas include media literacy, misinformation, and political polarization. Facciani’s forthcoming book, Misguided, describes the psychological and sociological processes that explain why we are susceptible to political and health misinformation. Facciani is also interested in evidence-based policy and works with the Research-to-Policy Collaboration at Pennsylvania State University.