The researchers conducted six experiments involving more than 3,600 participants to examine why some people accept lies and misinformation. Participants in each experiment were presented with different statements that were clearly labeled as false. Some were then asked to consider whether the statements could one day become a reality. One of the experiments, for example, asked participants to imagine a friend lying about his or her CV skills. Some of them were then asked to think about whether the friend could one day acquire the ability for which they lied. The researchers found that those who did so considered dishonesty less immoral. Another experiment asked participants to look at many very different political statements that were clearly identified as false and were asked to predict if they could become a reality. The study, published Thursday in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology of the American Psychological Society, found that across the political spectrum, lies were less likely to be considered immoral by those who believed they could be realized than by those who did not. they did it. If the lie was also in line with their policy, the researchers found that participants were also more willing to share it on social media. “Misinformation persists in part because some people believe it. But this is only part of the story,” said lead author Beth Anne Helgason, a PhD student at the London Business School. “Misinformation also persists because sometimes people know it is false, but they are still willing to justify it.” Co-author Daniel Effron, a professor of organizational behavior at the London Business School, said the findings were worrying because participants were not discouraged even when they were encouraged to consider the ethics of lying. “This underscores the negative consequences of giving business leaders and politicians the opportunity to speak out,” Efron said in a statement.
title: “When Are Lies Misinformation Seen As Excusable " ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-02” author: “Patricia Dennis”
The researchers conducted six experiments involving more than 3,600 participants to examine why some people accept lies and misinformation. Participants in each experiment were presented with different statements that were clearly labeled as false. Some were then asked to consider whether the statements could one day become a reality. One of the experiments, for example, asked participants to imagine a friend lying about his or her CV skills. Some of them were then asked to think about whether the friend could one day acquire the ability for which they lied. The researchers found that those who did so considered dishonesty less immoral. Another experiment asked participants to look at many very different political statements that were clearly identified as false and were asked to predict if they could become a reality. The study, published Thursday in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology of the American Psychological Society, found that across the political spectrum, lies were less likely to be considered immoral by those who believed they could be realized than by those who did not. they did it. If the lie was also in line with their policy, the researchers found that participants were also more willing to share it on social media. “Misinformation persists in part because some people believe it. But this is only part of the story,” said lead author Beth Anne Helgason, a PhD student at the London Business School. “Misinformation also persists because sometimes people know it is false, but they are still willing to justify it.” Co-author Daniel Effron, a professor of organizational behavior at the London Business School, said the findings were worrying because participants were not discouraged even when they were encouraged to consider the ethics of lying. “This underscores the negative consequences of giving business leaders and politicians the opportunity to speak out,” Efron said in a statement.
