Social Dilemmas

Politics

Disinformation Threatens Global Elections

Sander van der Linden Ph.D. on February 19, 2024

Scientists estimate that for every 100,000 people targeted with specific political ads, several thousand can be persuaded.

Scientists estimate that for every 100,000 people targeted with specific political ads, several thousand can be persuaded.

Conspiracy Theories

A Psychological Vaccine Against Manipulation

Sander van der Linden Ph.D. on August 31, 2023

A new analysis of over 40 experiments and 40,000 individuals reveals the power of psychological inoculation—preemptively protecting people from misleading information.

A new analysis of over 40 experiments and 40,000 individuals reveals the power of psychological inoculation—preemptively protecting people from misleading information.

Media

6 Foolproof Tips to Help You Spot Online Manipulation

Sander van der Linden Ph.D. on February 20, 2023

How do you know whether you are being manipulated online? Research shows there are six foolproof ways to spot manipulation.

How do you know whether you are being manipulated online? Research shows there are six foolproof ways to spot manipulation.

Cognition

The Language of Conspiracy Theorists

Sander van der Linden Ph.D. on June 8, 2021

Conspiracy theorists use distinctive features in their language. Here's how to spot the patterns.

Conspiracy theorists use distinctive features in their language. Here's how to spot the patterns.

Confidence

Fake It 'til You Make It: A Game to Help You Spot Fake News

Sander van der Linden Ph.D. on January 10, 2020

How do you know which news is real and which is fake? A new study finds that a game called "Bad News" may help players gain immunity against fake news.

How do you know which news is real and which is fake? A new study finds that a game called "Bad News" may help players gain immunity against fake news.

Sexual Abuse

Liberals and Conservatives Disagree on Sexual Harassment

Sander van der Linden Ph.D. on December 14, 2018

A new study adds to a body of research finding that liberals and conservatives polarize over sexual harassment claims. Different "moral foundations" may help explain why.

A new study adds to a body of research finding that liberals and conservatives polarize over sexual harassment claims. Different "moral foundations" may help explain why.

False Memories

The Fake News Game

Sander van der Linden Ph.D. on February 22, 2018

How good are you at spreading fake news? Get as many followers as you can!

How good are you at spreading fake news? Get as many followers as you can!

Environment

Saving the Planet Feels Good

Sander van der Linden Ph.D. on January 8, 2018

Can positive emotions help save the environment? New research suggests that a warm-glow from engaging in virtuous moral behaviors can encourage green behavior.

Can positive emotions help save the environment? New research suggests that a warm-glow from engaging in virtuous moral behaviors can encourage green behavior.

Intelligence

The Virality Equation

Sander van der Linden Ph.D. on November 25, 2017

What makes some issues go viral, while others never seem to take off? New research explains why.

What makes some issues go viral, while others never seem to take off? New research explains why.

False Memories

How to Spot Fake News

Sander van der Linden Ph.D. on November 12, 2017

Most people aren't able to distinguish fake from real news, can you? Here's five key tips to help spot fake news.

Most people aren't able to distinguish fake from real news, can you? Here's five key tips to help spot fake news.

Law and Crime

Are Your Beliefs About Gun Safety in Tune With America?

Sander van der Linden Ph.D. on June 21, 2016

How do your personal opinions compare to the views of fellow Americans? Take our quiz and find out!

How do your personal opinions compare to the views of fellow Americans? Take our quiz and find out!

Narcissism

How to Profile a Narcissist With One Simple Question

Sander van der Linden Ph.D. on January 28, 2016

New research shows that you may be able to identify a narcissist by asking them this one simple question.

New research shows that you may be able to identify a narcissist by asking them this one simple question.

Narcissism

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Narcissism

Sander van der Linden Ph.D. on January 25, 2016

Where do we draw the line between a healthy amount of self-love and narcissism as a personality disorder? Is Donald Trump really a narcissist? Are there any upsides to narcissism?

Where do we draw the line between a healthy amount of self-love and narcissism as a personality disorder? Is Donald Trump really a narcissist? Are there any upsides to narcissism?

Health

How to Change Minds About Vaccine Safety

Sander van der Linden Ph.D. on January 20, 2016

If there is only one thing you could say about vaccine safety, what should it be? The answer might be surprisingly simple.

If there is only one thing you could say about vaccine safety, what should it be? The answer might be surprisingly simple.

Environment

The Surprising Power of Conspiracy Theories

Sander van der Linden Ph.D. on August 24, 2015

Can merely being exposed to popular conspiracy theories make you less pro-social?

Can merely being exposed to popular conspiracy theories make you less pro-social?

Environment

The Rise of Green Prison Programs

Sander van der Linden Ph.D. on August 16, 2015

Can exposure to nature help reduce crime?

Can exposure to nature help reduce crime?

Sport and Competition

The Psychology of Competition

Sander van der Linden Ph.D. on June 24, 2015

Competitions are more fun if you actually win, but for you to win, someone else must lose. Given this basic inequality, can competitions promote pro-social behavior?

Competitions are more fun if you actually win, but for you to win, someone else must lose. Given this basic inequality, can competitions promote pro-social behavior?