In this episode of UnSpun, we look at social proof—how the popularity of an idea, product, or belief can influence our decisions in ways we don’t even realize. From political mandates to viral crowdfunding campaigns, and even robots gaining our trust, we’ll uncover the hidden forces of social proof in our daily lives. With clips from newsmakers so you can try your skills, this episode will leave you questioning what you believe—and why.

Test the murky waters of access journalism—the practice of prioritizing relationships with sources over journalistic objectivity. Dr. Sturg discusses cases including the downfall of Harvey Weinstein, a reflection on Trump’s media strategy, and Bob Woodward’s books, to explore how access can shape the stories you hear.

There are complex dynamics to online anonymity and how we act when we think we won't get caught. From cyberbullying to support communities, discover how anonymous interactions shape your digital lives. Dr. Sturg uses research insights, real-world cases to give you practical strategies for responsible online engagement.

Dr. Sturg gets into the question: Who should fact-check online information? Meta's recent decision to end its professional fact-checking program on Facebook and Instagram in favor of a community-based system sparked a significant debate. For years, professional fact-checkers with rigorous training have been the gatekeepers of truth, meticulously investigating claims and ensuring accuracy with a systematic approach.

Now, Meta is shifting to a system similar to X's (formerly Twitter) Community Notes, relying on the wisdom of the crowd. Is this a huge mistake? Join for a look at what reseearch has found about the pros and cons of professional versus community-based fact-checking, and what this shift means for the future of online information integrity.

In this week's episode of UnSpun, Inspired by the tragic New Year's attack in New Orleans, we explore the research on how social media can create echo chambers that manipulate and radicalize people online. But it's not all doom and gloom—we also highlight the positive aspects of social media, such as connecting with loved ones, finding communities, and online organizing. Join DrSturg as we discuss mindful consumption, setting boundaries, and building resilience to live a better digital life..

If you feel like we're divided, you're not wrong. Dr. Sturg takes you though the strategic manipulation of public opinion through the wedge strategy.

This week, explore how politicians deliberately create and weaponize wedge issues to manipulate voter emotions, exploit social tensions, and even reshape the political landscape.

From the civil rights movement to the COVID-19 pandemic, this episode provides a comprehensive analysis of how political actors try to force you onto a team and shows you how to recognize when you're being manipulated.

• Explore false cause and see how newsmakers overhype correlations
• Find out how media influences how we process information

• Our brains are wired to find patterns, sometimes creating false connections
• Media consumption can significantly impact our worldview, but you can stop it

• Scientific thinking and identifying true causal relationships
• Cultivation theory in media consumption
• Selective exposure and its impact on political understanding

• Learn to critically evaluate statistical claims
• Expose yourself to diverse perspectives
• Be aware of how media consumption shapes your worldview

• Tyler Vigen's work on false correlation

Follow Dr. Sturg

BlueSky -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) 
Websites -Unspun’s Substack

Questions and Tips

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Dr. Sturg’s Books

Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News

We are #AltGov 

In this week's UnSpun, DrSturg breaks down the research on reactance, a human behavior that explains choices like refusing masks. Delve into the psychological concept of reactance and explore why people resist when they feel their personal freedom is under threat. We discuss real-life examples and hypothetical scenarios that illustrate how reactance manifests in everyday situations, from online experiences to family gatherings, and even in educational settings.

Follow Dr. Sturg

BlueSky -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) 
Websites -Sturg says|Unspun’s Substack

Questions and Tips

[email protected]

Dr. Sturg’s Books

Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News

We are #AltGov 

In this episode of UnSpun, Dr. Sturg explorse guilt by association and dive deep into modern propaganda. From historical exampless to today's digital battlegrounds, discover how propaganda has evolved and what research says makes you susceptible. 

Starting out, learn how people judge others unfairly. Seet how propaganda has changed over time, from Nazi Germany to today's social media. Those who want to influence others have found new tools but still use old tricks to persuade people.

Learn what science says about why people fall for propaganda. Scientists have found that our brains take shortcuts, our feelings can cloud our judgment, and our social groups shape what we believe. Finally, hear some clear steps anyone can take to spot and resist it.

Follow Dr. Sturg

BlueSky -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) 
Websites -Sturg says|Unspun’s Substack

Questions and Tips

[email protected]

Dr. Sturg’s Books

Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News

We are #AltGov 

In this episode of UnSpun, we explore the Appeal to Purity—a tricky way people exclude others from groups to manipulate thinking. We look at how this tactic works, its history, and how to defend against it with simple strategies. From political rallies to major historical events, we'll unpack the impact of this fallacy.

Follow Dr. Sturg

BlueSky -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) 
Websites -Sturg says|Unspun’s Substack

Questions and Tips

[email protected]

Dr. Sturg’s Books

Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News

We are #AltGov