Information we actively select online significantly influences our beliefs more than information encountered passively. This “truth effect,” where repeated exposure to information increases its perceived truthfulness, has been studied for decades. A recent study from researchers at ***Ruhr University Bochum*** has further established that self-selected information has an even stronger impact on our perceptions of truth and falsehood.
The study, led by ***Dr. Moritz Ingendahl*** of the Social Cognition Lab, involved eight online experiments with nearly ***1,000 participants***. Participants were presented with statements, such as “The bee hummingbird is the smallest bird in the world.” These statements were either presented randomly or in themes chosen by the participants. After viewing the information, the subjects evaluated the truthfulness of both repeated and new statements.
Ingendahl noted, “We observed, in line with previous research, that subjects attributed more credibility to repeated information than to new information.” The findings revealed that the impact of reiteration is amplified when individuals choose the information themselves rather than when it is presented randomly.
Significance in the Digital Age
This phenomenon is particularly crucial in online contexts. Individuals who frequently encounter reiterated information are more inclined to share it on social media, thus enhancing its spread. Users curate their information feeds by deciding whom to follow, which inherently shapes the information they receive. Many online platforms require users to click on headlines to access complete content, further emphasizing the role of self-selection.
The researchers suggest that the brain processes self-selected information differently. “Actively searching for information requires greater alertness and cognitive resources,” explained Ingendahl. The findings demonstrate that participants were better able to recall information they actively selected compared to information encountered passively.
Implications for Misinformation
The Bochum team’s research also raises concerns about the spread of misinformation. The enhanced credibility attributed to self-selected information could facilitate the success of fake news. Conversely, effective fact-checking could also benefit from the manner in which information is presented.
Ingendahl and his colleagues are optimistic that their findings, published in the ***Journal of Experimental Psychology: General***, can inform strategies for improving information dissemination in the digital landscape. The study underscores the need for users to be aware of how their information choices can shape their beliefs and perceptions.
These insights into the impact of self-selected information on belief formation are not just academic; they have real-world implications for how individuals navigate the complex world of digital media. Understanding the mechanisms behind the truth effect can empower users to make more informed choices about the information they consume and share.
