Freethought Society: "The Misinformation Trap and Changing Minds"

On Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 6:00 PM EDT, the Freethought Society will cohost Melanie Trecek-King. Her presentation “The Misinformation Trap and Changing Minds: My Journey from Creationist to Biologist” will be a Zoom allowing for worldwide participation. Join us at the following at the following link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89788090863?pwd=ZmwGUWW46fjHTnOFS8H53BPs06ITj6.1

The presentation will examine why intelligent people fall for science denial, pseudoscience, or conspiracy theories. Trecek-King will explore how cognitive biases, social influences, and deeply-held beliefs can trap us in misinformation. Drawing on her own experience as a former young Earth creationist, she will explain why facts alone often fail to change minds, and how curiosity, skepticism, and empathy can help us navigate today’s complex information landscape and connect with those who disagree with us.

About the Speaker:
Melanie Trecek-King is an associate professor of biology at Massasoit Community College, where she teaches a general-education science course designed to equip students with empowering critical thinking, information literacy, and science literacy skills. She is also a fellow at the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, Education Director at the Mental Immunity Project, and Creator/Founder of the website Thinking Is Power.

About the Event Host:
The Freethought Society (FS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, educational organization advocating the separation of church & state, freedom of religion for all, freedom from religious intrusion, freedom of expression and freedom of choice. The goals of the Freethought Society are to raise awareness and acceptance of the non-theist community and provide fellowship and unique services to non-theists throughout the US and Canada.