80,000 Hours Podcast #180 – Hugo Mercier on why gullibility and misinformation are overrated
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Feb 21, 2024 Hugo Mercier, a cognitive scientist from the CNRS and author of "Not Born Yesterday," shares his insights on human gullibility and the misconception surrounding misinformation. He argues that people have evolved reasoning skills that promote beneficial communication rather than blind trust. The discussion covers how social context influences belief updates, the psychological dynamics of trust, and the potential impacts of AI on misinformation. Mercier challenges the prevalent view that gullibility and disinformation are major threats, emphasizing the perceptiveness of ordinary individuals.
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Intuitive vs. Reflective Beliefs
- Intuitive beliefs are perception-based and behavior-guiding, while reflective beliefs are often divorced from action.
- Conspiracy theorists' behavior exemplifies the difference; intuitive believers are cautious, reflective ones outspoken.
Dimensions of Trust
- Trustworthiness has two dimensions: competence and honesty.
- We evaluate competence by tracking information access and expertise.
Milgram Experiment Revisited
- Milgram experiment's 60% compliance rate is inflated; many participants suspected a setup.
- Compliance wasn't blind obedience; it involved argumentation, experimenter's prestige, and perceived scientific validity.
