The Role of Misinformation and AI in the US Election with Gordon Pennycook

In this episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, hosts Aline and Samuel explore the complex world of misinformation in the context of the U.S. elections with special guest Gordon Pennycook, a psychology professor at Cornell University.

The episode covers the effects of misinformation on democratic participation, and how behavioral science sheds light on reasoning errors that drive belief in falsehoods. Gordon shares insights from his groundbreaking research on misinformation, exploring how falsehoods gain traction and the role AI can play in both spreading and mitigating misinformation.

The conversation also tackles the evolution of misinformation, including the impact of social media and disinformation campaigns that blur the line between truth and fiction.

Tune in to hear why certain falsehoods spread faster than truths, the psychological appeal of conspiracy theories, and how humor can amplify the reach of misinformation in surprising ways.

LINKS:

Gordon Pennycook:

• Google Scholar Profile
• Twitter
• Personal Website
• Cornell University Faculty Page

Further Reading on Misinformation:

• Brandolini’s Law and the Spread of Falsehoods
• Role of AI in Misinformation
• The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction

03:14 Behavioral Science and Misinformation

05:28 Introducing Gordon Pennycook

10:02 The Evolution of Misinformation

12:46 AI’s Role in Misinformation

14:51 Impact of Misinformation on Elections

21:43 COVID-19 and Vaccine Misinformation

26:32 Technological Advancements in Misinformation

33:50 Conspiracy Theories

35:39 Misinformation and Social Media

42:35 The Role of Humor in Misinformation

48:08 Quickfire Round: To AI or Not to AI

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