The truth behind believing lies: ASU professors explain what may be behind irrational beliefs
Arizona State University psychology researcher Michael Barlev explores the reasons behind believing and sharing misinformation. ‘It might be that many irrational beliefs are in fact, design features,’ he says. ‘It could be that many of these falsehoods serve strategic and social functions for people. They're there because they do something important for us.’
ASU News
With the 2024 election looming in the not-so-distant future, there’s a lot of information to consider and consume. And that may mean a lot of lies that can lead to irrational beliefs.
Laying aside questions of polls and popularity, a new paper titled “Rational Reasons for Irrational Beliefs” explains what may be behind people's unfounded beliefs, and provides different perspectives and interventions that can help reduce polarization in the U.S.
“Why do people believe in conspiracies? Is it because they are not intelligent or gullible?” said co-author Steven Neuberg, an Arizona State University Foundation Professor in the Department of Psychology. “Sometimes, but not always. Many beliefs — many falsehoods — can also serve a strategic and practical social function for people.”
Michael Barlev, lead researcher on the article, said, “What we are trying to do with this paper is a complete paradigm shift in how people think about these things.”
Barlev, an assistant research professor in the Department of Psychology, spoke to ASU News about his take on irrational views and interventions that could combat problematic beliefs.
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