In this episode, we explore the illusory truth effect, where repeated information, even if false, can become ingrained in our beliefs. This cognitive bias can be reinforced by social media echo chambers, making it difficult to separate fact from fiction. The effect is particularly strong when the information aligns with what we already believe, making us more likely to accept it without question. We discuss how this phenomenon affects not just everyday life but also diving practices, where long-held "common knowledge" can be hard to change. The key to overcoming this bias is to question information, especially when it supports our existing beliefs, and to seek out diverse perspectives to challenge our assumptions.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/illusory-truth-effect

Links: Blog about the backfire effect https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-backfire-effect-why-our-brains-make-it-difficult-to-change-our-mind

1977 study https://web.archive.org/web/20160515062305/http://www.psych.utoronto.ca/users/hasher/PDF/Frequency%20and%20the%20conference%20Hasher%20et%20al%201977.pdf

Repeated studies inducing false memories https://web.archive.org/web/20161231091706/http://ejop.psychopen.eu/article/viewFile/456/pdf

Tags:  English, Cognitive Biases, Jenny Lord