Ever wonder why smart people fall for (mis) or disinformation—and why it’s so hard to change someone’s mind? In this episode, Rob visits with Matthew Facciani, accomplished researcher, Author, podcaster and as Rob calls him, the “Bill Nye the Science Guy” of Social Sciences. They dig into how identity, emotion, and social media collide to shape what we believe. They unpack the rise of polarization, the role of empathy in bridging divides, and how AI is changing our information game. Matthew offers insights on how critical thinking and self-awareness can help us see through the noise and rethink how we engage with the world online and in real life.
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Conversation
03:41 Understanding Beliefs and Identity
08:05 The Evolution of Political Polarization
15:21 Factors Contributing to Misinformation
18:24 The Breakdown of Shared Truths
25:03 The Role of Experts in Modern Discourse
29:41 Building Trust in Communication
30:37 The Art of Critical Ignoring
38:51 Understanding Misinformation vs. Disinformation
46:39 The Role of Identity in Belief Formation
53:50 The Complexity of Identity and Connection
56:16 Empathy and Intergroup Contact
58:58 The Role of Third Spaces in Society
01:01:01 The Power of Social Media in Science Communication
01:06:43 AI's Impact on Misinformation
01:11:57 Practical Steps to Combat Misinformation