Thread by @jennycohn1

Studying voting machine vendors and election security is fascinating for many reasons. One is that so many people spread misinformation about it, including the GOP (obviously), but also people I thought I cld trust as a Democrat. 1/ link.medium.com/9Gz0l3VbGib

In fact, my studies of the voting machine industry and election security made me fascinated w/ the nuances of misinformation, including how easy it is for someone w/ a fancy title to fool people even if the person w/ the title is not an expert on the specific issue involved. 2/

Also how constant repetition can make a lie seem believable. And how difficult it is debunk lies once people have fallen for them. 3/

4/ This is one of the best articles I’ve read on debunking disinformation. I have taken the recommendations to heart in my advocacy. news.northeastern.edu/2018/06/18/tir…

5/ From the article in post 4: “People are more likely to modify their belief if the corrective information includes an alternative explanation. In a study where subjects are initially led to believe a warehouse fire was caused by negligently stored gas canisters, …

6/ … subjects were more likely to accept (and remember) that this is incorrect if they are told the police have found evidence of arson.”

7/ “‘Corrective information is much more effective when people can ‘switch out’ explanations,’ said Swire-Thompson. ‘Just don’t say, ‘This is incorrect. ’ If you remove something, it’s important to fill the hole.’” @Briony_Swire

7/ Also, “Repeat retractions.
Since automatic memory equates familiarity with truth, it’s important that the corrective information be repeated as frequently, and with even greater clarity, than the myth.”

8/ I missed this one. “Warn people in advance of receiving corrective information that they are likely to forget the correction. This helps them mentally tag the bogus information as false.”

9/ Studying the voting machine business & election security also showed me how the media can sway public opinion simply by ignoring a subject. Ignoring a subject can be almost as dangerous as lying about it. It matters where journalists do and don’t shine their light.

10/ Ignoring a subject can be almost as dangerous as lying about it because it can create the false impression that nothing is amiss.