Studium Generale | Divide and Conquer

If people are convinced that society is hopelessly split on an issue, like the existence of global warming, how does that change the way we act? Mis- and disinformation campaigns have played a central role in influencing public understanding of complex issues, from political conflict to election integrity to climate change. Such campaigns actively shape the public perception of how divided society is on key issues. While the spread of inaccurate information can directly sway beliefs, it can also produce a subtler and potentially more damaging effect: false polarization, or the belief that an issue is far more polarized than it really is. If most people actually agree on the basic facts, why do so many assume they’re in the minority? And how does that perception keep the majority quiet, leaving space for a vocal minority to dominate?

The evening includes three short presentations on mis/disinformation. Jeff Lees will reveal the psychology behind political belief traps, Eedan Amit-Danhi teaches us how to navigate misleading visualization, and Olga Pasitselska will go into how climate-denialist propaganda flourishes in authoritarian regimes. Moderator is Marilia Gerhke.