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Misbelief

What Makes Rational People Believe Irrational Things

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Misbelief

By: Dan Ariely
Narrated by: Simon Jones
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'Thoughtful, moving and well-written' - Yuval Noah Harari

'An urgent examination of the human attraction to misinformation' - Daniel H. Pink

Misinformation affects us daily, from social media to politics and even personal relationships. Policing social media alone cannot solve the complex problem shaped by partisan politics and subjective interpretations of truth.

In Misbelief social scientist Dan Ariely explores the behaviour of 'misbelief' that leads people to distrust accepted truths and embrace conspiracy theories. Misinformation taps into something innate in all of us, regardless of political affiliation. By understanding this psychology, we can mitigate its effects. Grounded in research and Ariely's personal experience as a target of disinformation, the book analyses the psychological drivers behind adopting irrational beliefs. Ariely reveals the emotional, cognitive, personality, and social elements that drive people towards false information and mistrust.

Despite advanced AI generating convincing fake news, Ariely offers hope. Awareness of the forces fuelling misbelief makes individuals and society more resilient. Combating misbelief requires empathy, not conflict. Recognising misbelief as a human problem allows us to be part of the solution. Computer Science Consumer Behavior & Market Research Machine Theory & Artificial Intelligence Marketing & Sales Organisational Behavior Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Social Psychology & Interactions Workplace & Organisational Behavior Thought-Provoking Business
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Brilliant as always from Dan. Certainly gives me some pointers for me to help my friends and family, not to mention my own teenagers!

Enlightening

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What a balanced insightful book. So unusual for complete arguments and counter arguments to be made. Very enjoyable

Simply excellent balanced analysis

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Full of insights and thoughtful suggestions in navigating this space and the people in it. The recognition that we all to some extent have our misbeliefs, even if the majority do not take it to extreme.

The final section on the link with trust and the long challenges ahead if we are to rebuild our societies is sobering and the final optimism maybe a little forced. Not thet the excuses anyone from trying and persisting.

Willingness to understand, rather than immediate condemnation...

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That's what the author set out to find out BC after having become the subject of conspiracy theories himself.
One of the better listens this year.

What's going on in the head of those people?

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Nicely read. Easy listen that breaks down different elements that lead to misbelief. Helpful if you have wondered what happened to friends over covid times.

Very useful for truth seekers

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