July 23, 2026: Are You Misinformed? ..... [LIVE - IN PERSON]
Details
Topic: Are you Misinformed?
Meetup is in our Living Room in West Orange, NJ OR on our deck if weather is good
(street address sent to NEWBIES 3-7 days ahead of the event)
We gather at 7:30 for 30 min of refreshments (and wine), and chit chat, and then spend 90 min in an informal, facilitated discussion based on the assigned podcasts
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As we continue into year 2 of the Trump presidency and we approach the midterm elections, the topic of misinformation seems important
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:
- Which is worse— Misinformation or disinformation and what societal impact does each have? Where does it create the greatest damage?
- Why are people susceptible to misinformation?
- How does self identity shape perceptions of what information is credible?
- How do social media platform algorithms contribute to the amplification or containment of misleading content? T
- What interventions have a positive effect at reducing belief in or spread of false information?
- Who is responsible for addressing the problem of misinformation?
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# Please listen to the 5 short to medium-length podcasts below before the meetup
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[1] Civics 101
Disinformation and Misinformation (37 min)
In preparation for the upcoming midterms, we talk about lies. This is the true story of the fake world created in disinformation campaigns. The voting populace spreads it like there's no tomorrow, without ever knowing what's real. We tell you what it is and how to avoid it. Our guests today are Samantha Lai of the Brookings Institute and Peter Adams of the News Literacy Project.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disinformation-and-misinformation/id1195657423?i=1000578511788
[2] TED
How we can protect truth in the age of misinformation (19 min)
Fake news can sway elections, tank economies and sow discord in everyday life. Data scientist Sinan Aral demystifies how and why it spreads so quickly -- citing one of the largest studies on misinformation -- and identifies five strategies to help us unweave the tangled web between true and false.
https://www.ted.com/talks/sinan_aral_how_we_can_protect_truth_in_the_age_of_misinformation
[3] Game Changer
The Truth About Misinformation: Myths, Reality, and Rational Beliefs (31 min)
In this episode we are speaking with philosopher Daniel Williams about misinformation—what it is, how it spreads, and whether it is truly on the rise in the form of "fake news". We also explore why people cling to irrational beliefs and how rationalization shapes public discourse. Finally, Daniel shares strategies for tackling misinformation and engaging with those who hold questionable beliefs.
Daniel Williams is a philosopher and researcher at the University of Sussex. His research is focused on the social functions and causes of beliefs with a special interest in self-deception, religious beliefs, political ideologies, and delusions
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-truth-about-misinformation-myths-reality-and/id1536444695?i=1000690877849
[4] TEDx
Why did we stop caring about disinformation? (15 min)
What happens when lying no longer shocks us and dishonesty become normal? In this eye-opening talk, Skylar Hughes, a journalist and psychological researcher, explores why our outrage at fake news has faded and what that means for democracy. Hughes reveals how repeated exposure to lies changes our brains, shifts our social norms, and threatens our moral compass. Skylar Hughes is a Robertson Scholar at Duke University, combining psychological research with frontline experience in combating misinformation. As part of CNN's fact-checking unit, she verified over 100 articles, broadcast packages, and scripts, serving on the Republican National Convention live fact-checking team.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9b7ZQh28GY
[5] Life Kit
How to Spot Misinformation (27 min)
Where can you find accurate news? Life Kit wants to empower you to become a savvy, critical media consumer. This episode has five takeaways that will help you ask important questions to spot fake news and take steps toward correcting misinformation.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fake-news-how-to-spot-misinformation/id1461493560?i=1000455559947
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For newbies (and we love new people/ new voices):
the street address will be sent to you ~3-7 days before the event (lots of street parking)
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Only sign up if you plan to show up (or risk being tarred and feathered).
- If you can't make it-- please change your RSVP from YES to NO as early as possible so that others can get in
- $2 on-site for refreshments/cover the annual fees for the meetup site.