EOTO Week 13-Other team's presentation

                                        ILLUSORY TRUTH EFFECT

     One of the concepts I learned from group group 3 during their EOTO presentation was the Illusory 

Truth Effect.  The illusory truth effect, also referred to as the illusion of truth, is when inaccurate 

information is reinforced repeatedly to the point where people accept it as the truth.  In some instances, 

people who initially know that information is untrue begin to believe it over time, as it is repeated over 

and over again.

     The history of the illusory truth effect dates back to a 1977 study, when three researchers selected 

several college students to participate in an experiment, where they were asked to review a list of 

statements and identify which ones were true or false.  This study revealed that the repetition of false 

claims caused the participants to accept them as accurate statements. 

     Even those who consider themselves as erudite citizens are still susceptible to the illusory truth 

effect, especially in the modern age of social media.  Social media is often used to perpetuate 

misinformation to large audiences, which in prejudices people against what is actually valid.

     Familiarity, in large part, plays a crucial role in the perpetuation of misinformation.  As people are 

repeatedly exposed to invalid information, it eventually becomes easier for them to comprehend.

     Although it almost seems impossible to avoid the illusory truth effect, there are several measures we 

can take to get around it.  It is imperative to take time to process and analyze information ourselves and 

determine if it makes sense to us, as opposed to allowing outside forces to think for us.  Another step 

we can take is checking the credibility of the sources through which we receive information.

                      EXAMPLES OF ILLSORY TRUTH EFFECT

     The Illusory Truth Effect is especially pervasive in politics, as some politicians spread false 

information to the public to evoke fear of distrust of opposing candidates.  It was also reported in 

recent months that many have used social media to disseminate misinformation regarding the 

coronavirus pandemic, specifically the number of deaths, the severity of the disease, and whether  

masks were effective in reducing transmission of the virus.

                                           MY COMMENTARY

     While I am sure that I have fallen for the illusory truth effect in the past, I think I am knowledgeable 

enough now to distinguish between what is accurate and inaccurate information.  I always try to 

expand my horizon by cultivating information from an eclectic mix of sources, which allows me to  

think critically about both sides of an issue.  By doing so, I believe I am less likely to fall for the  

illusory truth effect.

     I also believe it is especially important for me as an aspiring Journalist and Politician to have the 

capacity to discern accurate and inaccurate information.

                     






Links: https://www.psychologicalscience.org/news/repeating-misinformation-doesnt-make-it-true-but-does-make-it-more-likely-to-be-believed.html
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/psych-unseen/202001/illusory-truth-lies-and-political-propaganda-part-1

https://thedecisionlab.com/biases/illusory-truth-effect/




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