Imagine you’re in a candy shop, and there’s a section with all sorts of treats. Now, the store owner decides to put little labels on each candy, indicating their quality. What would happen? Well, according to a recent study, those labels might not change what candies people choose or reduce their belief in candies with questionable ingredients. However! It turns out that heavy candy consumers, the ones who eat the most sweets, pay attention to those labels and make better choices as a result. So while the average candy lover might not care much, those with a serious sweet tooth benefit from having the information. This could be because they are more motivated to find accurate information in order to improve their candy-eating habits. If we think about it, this makes sense. The same goes for news consumption. This study found that labeling the credibility of news sources doesn’t necessarily sway everyone’s choices or beliefs, but it sheds valuable light for those who are really invested in consuming reliable news. So next time you’re browsing headlines, consider looking for those credibility labels to enhance your news diet!
Labeling the credibility of information sources does not shift the consumption of news away from low-quality sources or reduce belief in widely circulated inaccurate claims among average internet users, but providing an indicator of sources’ quality may improve the news diet quality of the heaviest consumers of misinformation.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.