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Miseducated Minds: Why We Believe Misinformation and Deepfakes
This seminar explores the psychological mechanisms underlying the creation, spread, and belief in misinformation in the digital age, with a particular focus on deepfakes and algorithmically amplified content. Drawing on research from psychology and communication science, students will examine different forms of misinformation (e.g., fake news, disinformation, conspiracy theories, and synthetic media) and the cognitive, emotional, and social factors that make individuals susceptible to false beliefs.
The seminar further investigates the societal and individual consequences of misinformation, including polarization, erosion of trust, and distorted knowledge acquisition processes (“miseducation”). Finally, students will engage with current intervention approaches such as psychological inoculation and news/media literacy, evaluating their effectiveness in promoting resilience against misinformation.
This seminar will close with an oral exam. Please note that this seminar will be held in English. The language of the oral exam is optional. Our first meeting will be on April 16, 2026.
If you're interested to participate, please write a short email at german.neubaum@uni-due.de |
