Ira Hyman
@irahyman.bsky.social
Professor of Psychology; Rider of Bicycles; Seeker of Justice. Applied cognitive psychologist, studying attention & memory, some disinfo too. (He/him; 1st gen college student). With maybe some pictures of Cookie the bernedoodle.
Pinned
Ira Hyman
@irahyman.bsky.social
· Nov 23
A Just Asking Questions Effect for spreading false information.
This thread is an overview of my lab’s research that I presented at Psychonomics this morning. #psynow24
TLDR: Getting people to generate their own false answers leads them to believe that info. 1/
This thread is an overview of my lab’s research that I presented at Psychonomics this morning. #psynow24
TLDR: Getting people to generate their own false answers leads them to believe that info. 1/
Reposted by Ira Hyman
Seattle in November
November 27, 2025 at 5:07 AM
Seattle in November
This looks cool and promising.
New paper out in @jexpsocpsych.bsky.social !
We (@kwinter.bsky.social, @kaiepstude.bsky.social , Bob Fennis and I) found that encouraging counterfactual thinking reduces engagement with conspiracy theories (i.e., clicks on, and reading times for, conspiracy articles).
A 🧵
1/n
We (@kwinter.bsky.social, @kaiepstude.bsky.social , Bob Fennis and I) found that encouraging counterfactual thinking reduces engagement with conspiracy theories (i.e., clicks on, and reading times for, conspiracy articles).
A 🧵
1/n
November 27, 2025 at 3:49 PM
This looks cool and promising.
Conservative Supreme Court Justices wouldn’t allow Biden to cancel student debt.
Pretty sure those same justices will be fine with Trump finding new ways to punish poorer students and discourage people from attending college.
Make higher education and tech schools free. Let people start debt free.
Pretty sure those same justices will be fine with Trump finding new ways to punish poorer students and discourage people from attending college.
Make higher education and tech schools free. Let people start debt free.
Threshold for repaying student loans to converge with minimum wage on.ft.com/3M2AYkD
Threshold for repaying student loans to converge with minimum wage
Surprise move from chancellor means some university graduates in England may have to pay back debts sooner
on.ft.com
November 27, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Conservative Supreme Court Justices wouldn’t allow Biden to cancel student debt.
Pretty sure those same justices will be fine with Trump finding new ways to punish poorer students and discourage people from attending college.
Make higher education and tech schools free. Let people start debt free.
Pretty sure those same justices will be fine with Trump finding new ways to punish poorer students and discourage people from attending college.
Make higher education and tech schools free. Let people start debt free.
Reposted by Ira Hyman
New study led by soon-to-be PhD'd Linyu Yu: Pausing & rewinding math videos predicts struggle, whereas active homework engagement boosts achievement. Aligning digital traces with student verbalizations helps design more supportive learning! #PsychSciSky #AcademicSky #EduSky doi.org/10.18608/jla...
November 27, 2025 at 3:01 PM
New study led by soon-to-be PhD'd Linyu Yu: Pausing & rewinding math videos predicts struggle, whereas active homework engagement boosts achievement. Aligning digital traces with student verbalizations helps design more supportive learning! #PsychSciSky #AcademicSky #EduSky doi.org/10.18608/jla...
Anyone looking for Christmas gifts for the whole lab?
Doesn’t your research team need something to wear at the next conference or rally?
Doesn’t your research team need something to wear at the next conference or rally?
We've got merch! Instead of giving your bucks to Bezos, why not get a gift that fuels the fight for science? Shop small this holiday season, and stand up for science! www.standupforscience.net/merch
November 27, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Anyone looking for Christmas gifts for the whole lab?
Doesn’t your research team need something to wear at the next conference or rally?
Doesn’t your research team need something to wear at the next conference or rally?
ICE is completely off the rails.
We desperately need congressional oversight. When/if democrats return to power, they need to dismantle this system that breeds injustice, contempt for normal legal processes, and total disregard for rights and dignity of people.
Read the story.
We desperately need congressional oversight. When/if democrats return to power, they need to dismantle this system that breeds injustice, contempt for normal legal processes, and total disregard for rights and dignity of people.
Read the story.
In Rhode Island, ICE arrested an intern who worked for a court, and then a judge intervened to say they had the wrong person.
All leading to a scene where ICE agents surrounded the judge's car and "threatening to smash in the windows if they did not comply." www.wfla.com/news/judge-i...
All leading to a scene where ICE agents surrounded the judge's car and "threatening to smash in the windows if they did not comply." www.wfla.com/news/judge-i...
November 27, 2025 at 3:18 PM
ICE is completely off the rails.
We desperately need congressional oversight. When/if democrats return to power, they need to dismantle this system that breeds injustice, contempt for normal legal processes, and total disregard for rights and dignity of people.
Read the story.
We desperately need congressional oversight. When/if democrats return to power, they need to dismantle this system that breeds injustice, contempt for normal legal processes, and total disregard for rights and dignity of people.
Read the story.
What could go wrong?
Deregulated banks at a time of a potential AI bubble? Signs of a weakening labor market while wealth inequality continues to increase?
Maybe we should throw a Gatsby themed party at a gold plated club?
Deregulated banks at a time of a potential AI bubble? Signs of a weakening labor market while wealth inequality continues to increase?
Maybe we should throw a Gatsby themed party at a gold plated club?
November 27, 2025 at 3:06 PM
What could go wrong?
Deregulated banks at a time of a potential AI bubble? Signs of a weakening labor market while wealth inequality continues to increase?
Maybe we should throw a Gatsby themed party at a gold plated club?
Deregulated banks at a time of a potential AI bubble? Signs of a weakening labor market while wealth inequality continues to increase?
Maybe we should throw a Gatsby themed party at a gold plated club?
Reposted by Ira Hyman
November 27, 2025 at 1:44 PM
Worrying numbers. Wrongful convictions are horrible. I don’t even know what to call wrongful convictions that result in death penalties.
An astonishing 80 percent of the Louisiana's death sentences between 1976 and 2015 were later reversed.
A judge recently vacated the conviction of Chris Duncan, who had been on the state's death row for decades.
A judge recently vacated the conviction of Chris Duncan, who had been on the state's death row for decades.
He’s Been On Louisiana’s Death Row for Decades. A Judge Just Vacated His Conviction.
Chris Duncan’s longtime claims of innocence were boosted by the discrediting of bite mark analysis, and by recent reforms now under threat from the state’s Republican leadership.
boltsmag.org
November 27, 2025 at 3:48 AM
Worrying numbers. Wrongful convictions are horrible. I don’t even know what to call wrongful convictions that result in death penalties.
Why is the google image a weird green space alien in an apron. Are they admitting something?
November 27, 2025 at 2:24 AM
Why is the google image a weird green space alien in an apron. Are they admitting something?
Anyone need some fresh conspiracy theory to go with your Thanksgiving turkey?
The turkey may be dry but this?
The turkey may be dry but this?
November 27, 2025 at 1:06 AM
Anyone need some fresh conspiracy theory to go with your Thanksgiving turkey?
The turkey may be dry but this?
The turkey may be dry but this?
Reposted by Ira Hyman
Did you know there is a Thanksgiving placemat that, if you follow its instructions, will resolve political conflict?
The brainchild of Tania Israel! More here: taniaisrael.com/dialogue-flo...
The brainchild of Tania Israel! More here: taniaisrael.com/dialogue-flo...
November 27, 2025 at 12:14 AM
Did you know there is a Thanksgiving placemat that, if you follow its instructions, will resolve political conflict?
The brainchild of Tania Israel! More here: taniaisrael.com/dialogue-flo...
The brainchild of Tania Israel! More here: taniaisrael.com/dialogue-flo...
Reposted by Ira Hyman
No contract, no coffee.
We don’t believe in sitting on the sidelines. Join our Transition co-chair @linamkhan.bsky.social , First Deputy Mayor Dean Fuleihan & @sbworkersunited.org at the picket lines.
We don’t believe in sitting on the sidelines. Join our Transition co-chair @linamkhan.bsky.social , First Deputy Mayor Dean Fuleihan & @sbworkersunited.org at the picket lines.
November 26, 2025 at 5:54 PM
No contract, no coffee.
We don’t believe in sitting on the sidelines. Join our Transition co-chair @linamkhan.bsky.social , First Deputy Mayor Dean Fuleihan & @sbworkersunited.org at the picket lines.
We don’t believe in sitting on the sidelines. Join our Transition co-chair @linamkhan.bsky.social , First Deputy Mayor Dean Fuleihan & @sbworkersunited.org at the picket lines.
Reposted by Ira Hyman
My Visual Attention in Crisis paper has finally appeared, along with 30 commentaries and response. I argue that it’s time to rethink attention from the ground up, and suggest key phenomena and possible directions. Requires access, alas. doi.org/10.1017/S014...
Visual Attention in Crisis | Behavioral and Brain Sciences | Cambridge Core
Visual Attention in Crisis - Volume 48
doi.org
November 26, 2025 at 1:23 PM
My Visual Attention in Crisis paper has finally appeared, along with 30 commentaries and response. I argue that it’s time to rethink attention from the ground up, and suggest key phenomena and possible directions. Requires access, alas. doi.org/10.1017/S014...
I am ready for the food discourse that comes with the big holidays. Being from the south, I have views.
Yes! Corn syrup was the downfall of serious pecan pie.
My family recipe does not include any corn syrup. It’s more like a praline pie.
Last year’s pies.
My family recipe does not include any corn syrup. It’s more like a praline pie.
Last year’s pies.
November 26, 2025 at 3:08 AM
I am ready for the food discourse that comes with the big holidays. Being from the south, I have views.
Yes! Corn syrup was the downfall of serious pecan pie.
My family recipe does not include any corn syrup. It’s more like a praline pie.
Last year’s pies.
My family recipe does not include any corn syrup. It’s more like a praline pie.
Last year’s pies.
November 26, 2025 at 3:01 AM
Yes! Corn syrup was the downfall of serious pecan pie.
My family recipe does not include any corn syrup. It’s more like a praline pie.
Last year’s pies.
My family recipe does not include any corn syrup. It’s more like a praline pie.
Last year’s pies.
And what about the signs of cognitive decline in Mr Trump?
The times notes his clear physical decline. But the only thing related to cognitive issues is his rambling and incoherent speeches. And his lies which could be considered confabulations if the Times wanted.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/25/u...
The times notes his clear physical decline. But the only thing related to cognitive issues is his rambling and incoherent speeches. And his lies which could be considered confabulations if the Times wanted.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/25/u...
Shorter Days, Signs of Fatigue: Trump Faces Realities of Aging in Office
www.nytimes.com
November 26, 2025 at 12:47 AM
And what about the signs of cognitive decline in Mr Trump?
The times notes his clear physical decline. But the only thing related to cognitive issues is his rambling and incoherent speeches. And his lies which could be considered confabulations if the Times wanted.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/25/u...
The times notes his clear physical decline. But the only thing related to cognitive issues is his rambling and incoherent speeches. And his lies which could be considered confabulations if the Times wanted.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/25/u...
So is Josh Shapiro trying to make it clear that he doesn't want me or any other progressives voting for him in the presidential primaries?
November 25, 2025 at 6:47 PM
So is Josh Shapiro trying to make it clear that he doesn't want me or any other progressives voting for him in the presidential primaries?
I am trying to figure this out.
There is apparently video of Bovino tackling an older man. And Bovino denies that he tackled the man.
Does he really not see what is depicted in the video? I'm not sure any cognitive bias is that strong.
Is he completely used to lying and getting away with it? 1/3
There is apparently video of Bovino tackling an older man. And Bovino denies that he tackled the man.
Does he really not see what is depicted in the video? I'm not sure any cognitive bias is that strong.
Is he completely used to lying and getting away with it? 1/3
Here's how Greg Bovino denies tackling Scott Blackburn, while watching a video showing him tacking Scott Blackburn.
legacy.www.documentcloud.org/documents/26...
legacy.www.documentcloud.org/documents/26...
![A 5-question exchange in which Greg Bovino is asked if he sees an older gentleman, "expressing his disagreement with [Bovino's] presence in Chicago [who] doesn't like the fact that you are instructing him to move down, right?"
Bovino responds, no, "That individual is failing to follow instructions to vacate the area."](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:bbp2b224lro3bfnzcqwwnkfo/bafkreibxlni2hq5i7mycqssosneb3ahdrtvw3ullnbi6y66dtomevhyhh4@jpeg)
November 25, 2025 at 6:38 PM
I am trying to figure this out.
There is apparently video of Bovino tackling an older man. And Bovino denies that he tackled the man.
Does he really not see what is depicted in the video? I'm not sure any cognitive bias is that strong.
Is he completely used to lying and getting away with it? 1/3
There is apparently video of Bovino tackling an older man. And Bovino denies that he tackled the man.
Does he really not see what is depicted in the video? I'm not sure any cognitive bias is that strong.
Is he completely used to lying and getting away with it? 1/3
A note for cognitive researchers interested in the spread of misinfo and disinfo.
A lot of our research uses text-based presentation of information.
Most of what people use on social media is video-based.
I suspect more people watch news than read papers.
Maybe we should consider this?
A lot of our research uses text-based presentation of information.
Most of what people use on social media is video-based.
I suspect more people watch news than read papers.
Maybe we should consider this?
UPDATE: Americans who use
YouTube 84%
Facebook 71%
Instagram 50%
TikTok 37%
WhatsApp 32%
Reddit 26%
Snapchat 25%
X (Twitter) 21%
Threads 8%
Bluesky 4%
Truth Social 3%
Full Pew Research Center report: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2025/11/20/americans-social-media-use-2025/
YouTube 84%
Facebook 71%
Instagram 50%
TikTok 37%
WhatsApp 32%
Reddit 26%
Snapchat 25%
X (Twitter) 21%
Threads 8%
Bluesky 4%
Truth Social 3%
Full Pew Research Center report: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2025/11/20/americans-social-media-use-2025/
November 24, 2025 at 8:32 PM
A note for cognitive researchers interested in the spread of misinfo and disinfo.
A lot of our research uses text-based presentation of information.
Most of what people use on social media is video-based.
I suspect more people watch news than read papers.
Maybe we should consider this?
A lot of our research uses text-based presentation of information.
Most of what people use on social media is video-based.
I suspect more people watch news than read papers.
Maybe we should consider this?
Working with the people at UW's Center for an Informed Public is a great opportunity -- both for your own career and for joining the fight for better information flows in the world. A chance to do good in your work.
And the people there are great. I have always enjoyed my conversations with them.
And the people there are great. I have always enjoyed my conversations with them.
The UW Center for an Informed Public is looking for postdocs (for 2026-2028) from across diverse disciplines whose research sheds light on the challenges of our modern information environment, promotes civic health, and/or helps people/communities navigate online spaces: apply.interfolio.com/177901
Apply - Interfolio
{{$ctrl.$state.data.pageTitle}} - Apply - Interfolio
apply.interfolio.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Working with the people at UW's Center for an Informed Public is a great opportunity -- both for your own career and for joining the fight for better information flows in the world. A chance to do good in your work.
And the people there are great. I have always enjoyed my conversations with them.
And the people there are great. I have always enjoyed my conversations with them.
Reposted by Ira Hyman
We have <2 weeks to elect Aftyn Behn to Congress.
If you live in TN-07- VOTE by December 2nd. Find more info at govotetn.com 🔗
💪Take action with us! Hit the doors, pick up the phones, or chip in with $5. tr.ee/sufs-aftyn
This is urgent. Can you help us win this fight?🗳️
@jesscraven101.bsky.social
If you live in TN-07- VOTE by December 2nd. Find more info at govotetn.com 🔗
💪Take action with us! Hit the doors, pick up the phones, or chip in with $5. tr.ee/sufs-aftyn
This is urgent. Can you help us win this fight?🗳️
@jesscraven101.bsky.social
November 24, 2025 at 3:01 PM
We have <2 weeks to elect Aftyn Behn to Congress.
If you live in TN-07- VOTE by December 2nd. Find more info at govotetn.com 🔗
💪Take action with us! Hit the doors, pick up the phones, or chip in with $5. tr.ee/sufs-aftyn
This is urgent. Can you help us win this fight?🗳️
@jesscraven101.bsky.social
If you live in TN-07- VOTE by December 2nd. Find more info at govotetn.com 🔗
💪Take action with us! Hit the doors, pick up the phones, or chip in with $5. tr.ee/sufs-aftyn
This is urgent. Can you help us win this fight?🗳️
@jesscraven101.bsky.social
Reposted by Ira Hyman
New poll finds just 18% of Americans "embrace" AI, with 49% saying they reject it.
November 24, 2025 at 3:06 PM
New poll finds just 18% of Americans "embrace" AI, with 49% saying they reject it.
Reposted by Ira Hyman
A detailed run through of literature and claims concerning vaccines and autism. Long story shot: vaccines do not cause autism.
No, Vaccines Don’t Cause Autism—Here’s the Proof Parents Need to See
Countless studies have shown no link between vaccines and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder. But some parents still hold onto that belief.
www.parents.com
November 23, 2025 at 8:59 PM
A detailed run through of literature and claims concerning vaccines and autism. Long story shot: vaccines do not cause autism.
Reposted by Ira Hyman
When I coined the term Weaponized unreality and wrote and spoke publicly about the massive network of bad actors radicalizing digital communities this was exactly what I was speaking about exactly what we are seeing in real life now.American fascism needed a weaponized unreality state and built one.
Twitter pays people based on engagement (views, retweets, comments, etc). It appears that many MAGA accounts are based abroad and they use AI technology to generate low-effort rage bait.
My guess is that this will get worse as AI tech improves. For instance, fake videos of minorities doing crime.
My guess is that this will get worse as AI tech improves. For instance, fake videos of minorities doing crime.
November 23, 2025 at 4:17 PM
When I coined the term Weaponized unreality and wrote and spoke publicly about the massive network of bad actors radicalizing digital communities this was exactly what I was speaking about exactly what we are seeing in real life now.American fascism needed a weaponized unreality state and built one.