A new study shows children as young as 5 are more likely to judge a statement true if its repeated multiple times compared to a statement they hear for the first time.
This is the illusory-truth effect - believing something to be true if it’s repeated often enough, even when it is false.
Could adults possibly be learning this during childhood?
The same study found similar results for 10 year old and adults.
The participants’ prior knowledge did not make a difference in believing repeated falsehoods.
Researchers highlight the importance of critical thinking in our society where misinformation spreads rapidly through viral social media.
Don't rely on initial gut feelings and unreliable cues like repetition to determine truth.
In this day and age where news is designed to encourage a quick read and a quick response, pause and think.
Original article:
Original study:
The Effect of Repetition on Truth Judgments across Development
Original study (full-text version):
The Effect of Repetition on Truth Judgments across Development v2