Tara Whitmore
If you’ve ever scrolled through social media, you know it’s pretty easy to run into misinformation. Some people seem more likely to buy into these falsehoods than others, and it can be a real head-scratcher.
The people who fall for online misinformation aren’t just gullible or uninformed. They have certain traits in common that make them more susceptible, according to psychologists.
Misinformation isn’t just an annoying internet trend. It’s a serious issue that can influence our beliefs and actions. And it’s not a personal choice to be more susceptible to it.
Understanding these traits could help in combating the spread of misinformation. So, buckle up as we delve into the ‘8 traits of people who are most likely to fall for misinformation on the internet’, according to a psychologist. The journey might just be enlightening.
1) Lack of critical thinking skills
Critical thinking, or the lack thereof, is a key trait among those who are more prone to fall for online misinformation. It’s not about being unintelligent, but rather about how they approach and process information.
For instance, if you see a sensational headline on social media, a critical thinker may question its validity, look at the source, and cross-check before sharing. But someone lacking in this trait may take the information at face value and spread it further without a second thought.
Falling for misinformation is not a personal failing. It’s often a result of not having been taught to critically assess information. And yet, it has serious implications: misinformation can shape our beliefs, actions, and perceptions of reality.
What’s key here is that the ability to think critically can be learned and developed. Awareness of this trait could be the first step towards becoming less susceptible to misinformation. By fostering critical thinking skills, we can help stem the tide of falsehoods swirling around on the internet.
Recognizing this trait in ourselves or others isn’t an accusation – it’s an invitation to growth and learning.
2) High level of education
Surprisingly, having a higher level of education doesn’t necessarily safeguard someone against misinformation. In fact, it’s one of the traits that psychologists have identified in those who often fall for false information online.
You might think that a well-educated person would be more adept at discerning fact from fiction. But the reality can be quite different. The internet is a complex web of information and misinformation, and even the most educated among us can fall into its traps.
Educated individuals might have confidence in their knowledge and abilities, leading them to be less skeptical about the information they encounter. They might believe they’re not the ‘type’ to fall for misinformation, which ironically makes them more susceptible to it.
It’s important to remember that no one is immune to misinformation. Regardless of our education level, we all need to stay vigilant, double-check sources, and maintain a healthy skepticism towards information we find online.
3) Preference for social validation
When people feel validated by their social circles, they’re more likely to accept and spread information that aligns with the group’s views, even if it’s misinformation.
This is due to the human tendency to seek approval and fit in with their social groups, known as conformity bias. We often subconsciously adjust our attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors to match those of our peers.
In the context of online misinformation, this means that if a piece of false information is widely accepted or shared within one’s social group, that person is more likely to believe and further propagate it. The desire for social validation can sometimes trump the need for factual accuracy.
This trait is not about being weak-willed or easily influenced. It’s a fundamental part of human nature. But being aware of it can make us more mindful of our own biases and more critical of the information we encounter on the internet.
4) Strong emotional responsiveness
Many of us are moved by our emotions, it’s part of what makes us human. We feel, we empathize, and we respond. However, this very human trait can make some of us more susceptible to online misinformation.
Misinformation often comes wrapped in emotional content, designed to evoke strong reactions. Whether it’s anger, fear, or joy, these emotions can cloud our judgment and make it harder to discern fact from fiction.
If you find yourself deeply affected by the emotional content of information online, know that it doesn’t mean you’re naive or gullible.
You’re simply a deeply feeling individual, and that’s a beautiful thing. It just means you might need to take an extra moment to pause and verify before accepting or sharing such information.
Remember, your capacity for empathy is a strength, not a weakness. But like any strength, it’s important to know when and how to use it wisely.
5) A need to be in the know
We all want to feel informed, right? There’s something comforting about being up-to-date, having the inside scoop, or being the first to share an intriguing piece of news in our social circles.
This desire to be in the know is natural. But it can also make us more vulnerable to misinformation. In the rush to stay updated, we might overlook the need to verify the information we come across.
Think about it: How many times have you stumbled upon a piece of news online that seemed too sensational or shocking to ignore, and you shared it without a second thought?
Don’t beat yourself up over it. It happens to the best of us. The key is to remember that being truly ‘in the know’ means not just consuming information, but also taking the time to ensure it’s accurate. After all, what good is being informed if what we’re informed about isn’t true?
6) Trusting nature
Here’s a story that many of us can probably relate to. A close friend once shared a piece of news on social media that seemed shocking. Without questioning it, you shared it too, because you trusted your friend.
This trust is a beautiful thing. It’s the bedrock of our relationships. But when it comes to online information, an overly trusting nature can sometimes lead us astray.
People with a high level of trust often believe in the authenticity of the information shared by friends or family online, without questioning its validity. They assume that their loved ones would only share accurate information.
But remember, everyone can make mistakes or be misled. So, even if the information is from a trusted source, it’s always a good practice to verify before sharing it further. It doesn’t mean you trust them any less, but rather that you are taking responsibility for the information you spread.
7) Resistance to fact-checking
Let’s be honest, fact-checking can be a hassle. It takes extra time and effort. It’s so much easier to read something, accept it at face value, and hit the ‘share’ button. But here’s the thing: that ease is part of the problem.
If you resist fact-checking because it seems like too much work, you’re more likely to fall prey to misinformation. It’s as simple as that.
Avoiding the truth just because it’s inconvenient doesn’t make the misinformation any less false. It only perpetuates the cycle of misinformation.
So, step up and do the work. Verify before you amplify. It might require a bit more effort, but it’s worth it. After all, isn’t it better to be right than to be fast?
8) Overconfidence in discerning truth
Here’s the big one. The most dangerous trait of all when it comes to falling for misinformation is overconfidence in our own abilities to discern truth from falsehood.
You may believe you’re too savvy, too educated, or simply too smart to fall for false information. But that overconfidence can blind us to the reality: everyone is susceptible to misinformation.
Overconfidence can prevent us from questioning information or double-checking facts, simply because we believe we’re not the ‘type’ to be fooled. But misinformation is designed to deceive, and it doesn’t discriminate.
Don’t let your confidence trick you into complacency. Stay vigilant, keep questioning, and never stop learning. Because the moment we think we’re immune to misinformation is the moment we become most vulnerable to it.
Conclusion
To be truly informed is to scrutinize what we read and hear—it’s a skill that hinges on our personal commitment to truth.
This article aims to shine a light on the traits that make us susceptible to online misinformation. But ultimately, the decision to question, verify, and think critically is yours to make.
Time spent in pursuit of truth is never time wasted.
Being truly informed means being wise enough not to let the internet dictate what we believe, or what we share.
Here’s to fostering a more discerning, informed online community!
