Strong feelings can cloud your judgement

Those who want to spread false and deceptive information will try to get as many people as possible to share it without thinking. One way to do that is to create content that stirs up strong feelings, making it harder for the audience to think critically; content that makes you so happy, angry, surprised, or amused, that you repost it without a second thought.

Hint!
The next time you feel like you “absolutely have to share something” – stop and think for a second. There are those who want you to feel triggered and strong feelings, like happiness or anger, make it harder to think critically.

Glossary

• Trolls: Users on social media who, through their comments and actions, actively agitate and provoke others to sow division, silence critical voices, and drown out others who try to take part in the discussion.
• Bandwagon effect: People who feel like they are part of a majority are more willing to share their opinion.
• Spiral of silence: People who feel like they are part of a minority are less willing to share their opinion.