First published 2019
Human credulity shapes our daily lives in ways we barely recognize. Baumeister and Forgas examine why people accept dubious claims, from conspiracy theories to political misinformation. They reveal how cognitive biases, emotions, and social pressures make us vulnerable to deception. The authors draw on empirical studies to show how gullibility operates across different contexts, including science, politics, and online spaces. Leading researchers contribute insights about the mental processes that either promote or protect against false beliefs. The book demonstrates how cultural factors amplify our tendency toward credulity. Baumeister presents concrete evidence about the reasoning failures that undermine sound judgment. This analysis helps readers recognize the psychological mechanisms behind human susceptibility to misleading information.
Genres: psychology, social-science, non-fiction, academic
Vibes: analytical, informative, thought-provoking
Tropes: academic-research, psychological-analysis
336 pages · Kindle Edition · Routledge