Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Sander van der Linden

@profsanderlinden.bsky.social

33K followers 980 following 300 posts

Professor of Social Psychology in Society at the University of Cambridge and Author of FOOLPROOF: Why We Fall for Misinformation and How to Build Immunity (2023) + The Psychology of Misinformation (2024). Bad News Game. www.sandervanderlinden.com .. more

Videos

Sander L. van der Linden is a Dutch social psychologist and author who is Professor of Social Psychology at the University of Cambridge. He studies the psychology of social influence, risk, human judgment, and decision-making. He is known for his research on the psychology of social issues, such as fake news, COVID-19 conspiracy theories, and climate change denial. .. more

Sociology 26%

Political science 26%

Posts Media Videos Starter Packs

Pinned

Sander van der Linden @profsanderlinden.bsky.social · Apr 8

Who is susceptible to misinformation? We looked at >60,000 people from 24 countries who took our MIST test. Key results: Gen Z are more susceptible & those on the extreme right (but they don't know it).

Led by the brill @yarakyrychenko.bsky.social & Fritz Götz

authors.elsevier.com/sd/article/S...

17 170 410

Reposted by Sander van der Linden

The Institute for Analytical Sociology @iasliu.bsky.social · 3d

Join us on Thursday, 9 October, at 14:30 CET for the Analytical Sociology Seminar with Sander van der Linden @profsanderlinden.bsky.social 🔹 Psychological Inoculation Against Misinformation🔹 More info: liu.se/en/event/ana...

Analytical Sociology Seminar: Sander van der Linden

Welcome to the Analytical Social Seminar with Sander van der Linden from University of Cambridge. Psychological inoculation against misinformation. The seminar is open for the public. Language: Englis...

liu.se

2 5

Jeff Sharlet @jeffsharlet.bsky.social · 5d

It appears that my employer, Dartmouth, one of the Trump 9, has said no to the compact. All the better given that our president is cited within it. But she’s saying no. Count the small victories when they come.

Office of the President
Dear Dartmouth community,

As many of you know, Dartmouth was one of nine universities asked by the White House to give feedback by Oct. 20 on a draft of its “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education.”

I am deeply committed to Dartmouth’s academic mission and values and will always defend our fierce independence.

You have often heard me say that higher education is not perfect and that we can do better. At the same time, we will never compromise our academic freedom and our ability to govern ourselves.

Best,
Sian Leah Beilock
President

74 680 4.5K

Reposted by Richard S.J. Tol, Sander van der Linden, Steve Peers , and 10 more Richard S.J. Tol, Sander van der Linden, Steve Peers, Christopher McCabe, Rosemary A. Joyce, Robert C. Richards, Janet Murray, Aaron Sojourner, W. Andy Knight, Gerald Friedman, Michael Veale, Dean Eckles, Daryl Adair

Jason Koebler @jasonkoebler.bsky.social · 7d

so the US government just forced a tech company to delete an app it doesn’t like, which is totally normal stuff

www.404media.co/iceblock-own...

ICEBlock Owner After Apple Removes App: ‘We Are Determined to Fight This’

Apple removed ICEBlock reportedly after direct pressure from Department of Justice officials. “I am incredibly disappointed by Apple's actions today. Capitulating to an authoritarian regime is never t...

www.404media.co

770 7.1K 17K

Reposted by Sander van der Linden, Laura K. Taylor, Charlie Beckett , and 3 more Sander van der Linden, Laura K. Taylor, Charlie Beckett, Stephen Cushion, Damian Trilling, Aleksandra Urman

Claes de Vreese @claesdevreese.bsky.social · 7d

Come work with us 🚨

We are looking for a #postdoc in our @aimediademlab.bsky.social lab.

Profile: Comm sci / poli sci/ computational social science.

Great team, timely topocs, fabulous city, good conditions.

DL 🗓️ November 1

werkenbij.uva.nl/en/vacancies...

Vacancy — Postdoctoral researcher Communication Science at AI, Media & Democracy Lab

Do you want to be part of the AI, Media & Democracy Lab? We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher with a profile in communication science.

werkenbij.uva.nl

1 41 42

Sander van der Linden @profsanderlinden.bsky.social · 11d

Great feature with some thoughts from me;

"The undermining of democratic institutions on display in these groups echoed fascist methods used throughout history..they
are trying to undermine institutions of truth, facts & education because that is what’s standing in their way–an informed citizenry"

The Guardian @theguardian.com · 11d

Inside the everyday Facebook networks where far-right ideas grow

The Guardian spent a year studying an online community trading in anti-immigration sentiment and misinformation. Experts say such spaces can play a role in radicalisation * Far-right Facebook groups are engine of radicalisation in UK, data investigation suggests Far-right ideas are gaining ground. They are thriving in online worlds which are not easily visible to large swathes of the public but which spread misinformation that has real-world consequences. Take last year. In the summer of 2024, riots broke out across parts of the UK, fuelled by misinformation that spread on social media. Continue reading...

www.theguardian.com

11 17

Sander van der Linden @profsanderlinden.bsky.social · 11d

The @theguardian.com spent a year studying some of the largest far-right extremist groups on FB. Great feature. My take;

“Fascists are trying to undermine institutions of truth, facts & education because that's what’s standing in their way–an informed citizenry”

www.theguardian.com/world/ng-int...

Inside the everyday Facebook networks where far-right ideas grow

The Guardian spent a year studying an online community trading in anti-immigration sentiment and misinformation. Experts say such spaces can play a role in radicalisation

www.theguardian.com

9 30

Reposted by Sander van der Linden, Will Jennings, Steve Peers , and 2 more Sander van der Linden, Will Jennings, Steve Peers, Kai Arzheimer, James Connelly

The Guardian @theguardian.com · 11d

Inside the everyday Facebook networks where far-right ideas grow

www.theguardian.com

23 110 180

Reposted by Sander van der Linden

LCSSP at Caltech @caltechlcssp.bsky.social · 13d

Today, @caltech.edu's Mitchell Linegar presented "The Persuasiveness of #AI: AI Interventions Increase Confidence in #ElectionIntegrity" at @stanfordcyber.bsky.social's Trust & Safety Research Conference. Mitchell Linegar, Betsy Sinclair, @rmichaelalvarez.bsky.social @profsanderlinden.bsky.social

2 2 3

Reposted by Stephan Lewandowsky, Sander van der Linden, Melanie C. Green

APA Journals @apajournals.bsky.social · 13d

Why #misinformation must not be ignored - A new, open access article by @ulliecker.bsky.social and colleagues, published in American Psychologist bit.ly/4pJ20fY

6 14

Reposted by Gordon Hodson

Sander van der Linden @profsanderlinden.bsky.social · 13d

If you're looking to do a PhD on a timely subject, I'm on the advisory board of a cool new project; "When Lies Take Root: Investigating the Impact of Misinformation on Those at Risk" at the top-ranked Amsterdam School of Communication Research/

Do share & apply: werkenbij.uva.nl/en/vacancies...

Vacancy — PhD Position: "When Lies Take Root: Investigating the Impact of Misinformation on Those at Risk"

Are you motivated to protect those most vulnerable against misinformation and to develop new interventions against misinformation? Do you want to know more about how mis- and disinformation impact at-...

werkenbij.uva.nl

2 18 26

Sander van der Linden @profsanderlinden.bsky.social · 13d

Yes! Here inoculation.science and Here inoculation.science/wp-content/u...

inoculation.science

1 2

Sander van der Linden @profsanderlinden.bsky.social · 14d

Source: yalebooks.yale.edu/2024/11/01/e...

Eating the Unspeakable: The Bible and Current Politics on Immigration - Yale University Press

Yii-Jan Lin— Eating and drinking appear throughout the Christian Bible—from the first occurrence of eating from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil to Jesus’ feeding of the five... READ MORE

yalebooks.yale.edu

Sander van der Linden @profsanderlinden.bsky.social · 14d

Farage is not just using the same playbook as Trump - there was another false rumour in Ohio that immigrants were eating waterfowl-it's a direct lift. False stories of immigrants eating pets date back to the early 19th century (see below). Shameful propaganda.

www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...

3 3 14

Sander van der Linden @profsanderlinden.bsky.social · 14d

Congratulations to @yarakyrychenko.bsky.social for being short-listed as a finalist for the Women of the Future Awards in AI! Yara is a massively brilliant scholar so proud 👏 🥳

"For eighteen years, the awards have shone a light on trailblazing women"

awards.womenofthefuture.co.uk/our-alumni-c...

1 1 9

Reposted by Sander van der Linden

Robert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 16d

When our outrage translates into withholding our consumer dollars, a big corporation like Disney is forced to listen – and respond.

Next time you’re feeling powerless, remember this.

Jimmy Kimmel is coming back. It’s proof that you still have power | Robert Reich

Disney saw hurricane-level blowback over the talkshow host’s suspension, thanks in large part to consumers

www.theguardian.com

120 960 3.7K

Sander van der Linden @profsanderlinden.bsky.social · 17d

Probably, unfortunately.

Sander van der Linden @profsanderlinden.bsky.social · 17d

Jimmy Kimmel is back!

“Efforts by leaders to pressure artists, journalists, and companies with retaliation for their speech strike at the heart of what it means to live in a free country.”

www.nbcnews.com/business/med...

Jimmy Kimmel's show returning on Tuesday, ABC announces

The network pulled the show after the Federal Communications Commission chair threatened to revoke ABC affiliate licenses after the host's comments about Charlie Kirk's death.

www.nbcnews.com

4 4 47

Sander van der Linden @profsanderlinden.bsky.social · 19d

No evidence of association between Charlie Kirk shooting and left-wing groups so far, according to officials. Interesting chart here in the NBC piece of ideology and domestic terrorism, 70% comes from far-right groups.

www.nbcnews.com/politics/jus...

5 130 300

Sander van der Linden @profsanderlinden.bsky.social · 20d

Good point!

Reposted by Shannon Vallor, Lisa W. Fazio, Stephan Lewandowsky , and 3 more Shannon Vallor, Lisa W. Fazio, Stephan Lewandowsky, Sander van der Linden, Timothy Graham, Greg Linden

Alan Jagolinzer @jagolinzer.bsky.social · 24d

Call for Papers, 2026 Cambridge Disinformation Summit

Research on systemic risks from technology that affects information streams or the amplification or monetization of disinformation.

www.linkedin.com/pulse/call-p...

CALL FOR PAPERS Cambridge Disinformation Summit, 8-10 April 2026 University of Cambridge UK

Research on systemic risks from technology that affects information streams or the amplification or monetization of disinformation. Potential research focus might include (but is not limited to) the e...

www.linkedin.com

1 45 77

Ed Davey @eddavey.libdems.org.uk · 25d

I've written to Keir Starmer, Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage, urging them to join me in condemning Elon Musk's dangerous remarks inciting violence yesterday.

As leaders, we must stand together and make clear Musk will face serious consequences for these actions.

Letter from Ed Davey to Keir Starmer condemning Elon Musk for inciting violence and urging unity to defend democracy.

350 1.9K 7K

Sander van der Linden @profsanderlinden.bsky.social · 27d

Thanks for the shout out!

Reposted by Sander van der Linden

Katharine Hayhoe @katharinehayhoe.com · 27d

And to keep up with the latest, I recommend following @profsanderlinden.bsky.social and checking out his book Foolproof wwnorton.com/books/978039... and @matthewfacciani.bsky.social and his many resources and book Misguided cup.columbia.edu/book/misguid...

Foolproof

Winner of the SPSP Book Prize for the Promotion of Social and Personality Science<br />Winner of the 2024 APA William James Book Award<br />Winner of the 2024 Harvard Goldsmith Book Prize<br />Winner ...

wwnorton.com

3 10 29

Reposted by Sander van der Linden, Gordon Pennycook, Brendan Nyhan , and 1 more Sander van der Linden, Gordon Pennycook, Brendan Nyhan, Kate Starbird

Tobia Spampatti, PhD @tspampatti.bsky.social · Sep 8

In this new Commentary in @natclimate.nature.com, I reflect on the recent focus on truth discernment in #misinfo research and argue that this outcome alone may not be beneficial to society if interventions do not improve behaviour and other outcomes because... 1/

www.nature.com/articles/s41...

Truth discernment may not help to overcome misinformation

Nature Climate Change - Scientists increasingly assess interventions against misinformation mainly via truth discernment. However, pursuing truth discernment may not be sufficiently beneficial to...

www.nature.com

2 36 93

Reposted by Sander van der Linden

Yung En Chee @yungenchee.bsky.social · Sep 6

Folks making submissions to the Senate Committee inquiring into "the prevalence and impacts of misinformation and disinformation which relates to climate change and energy" (due 12 Sep), you might like to check out the publication below

5 20 31

Reposted by Diarmid Campbell‐Lendrum, Calvin K. Lai, Zen Faulkes , and 1 more Diarmid Campbell‐Lendrum, Calvin K. Lai, Zen Faulkes, Juan Ramón

Sander van der Linden @profsanderlinden.bsky.social · Sep 5

In a new paper we show how misinformation derails support for public action on climate change by casting doubt on the scientific consensus (which undermines public opinion).

Disinformers attack expert consensus because they know it works.

Free: bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...

5 77 160

Reposted by Sander van der Linden

Mikey Biddlestone @mikeybiddlestone.bsky.social · Sep 5

Our recent paper on improving AOT and reducing #misinformation susceptibility with prebunking (@rakoenmaertens.bsky.social
@profsanderlinden.bsky.social et al.) was picked up by
@psypost.bsky.social!

www.psypost.org/a-simple-cog...

A simple cognitive vaccine can make you more resistant to misinformation

A recent study tested whether people can be “inoculated” against misinformation by shifting how they think. The results suggest that boosting open-minded thinking through a simple message can reduce c...

www.psypost.org

1 2 12

Reposted by Sander van der Linden

Heather Cherone @heathercherone.bsky.social · Sep 2

Pritzker: "Unidentifiable agents in unmarked vehicles with masks are planning to raid Latino communities and say they're targeting violent criminals."

13 460 2.3K

Reposted by Sander van der Linden

Alan Jagolinzer @jagolinzer.bsky.social · Sep 1

I have landed jet aircraft thousands of times using "paper maps," so it's not as dangerous as it sounds.

However, this illustrates another anecdote of hybrid warfare by mafia state actors, as I discussed recently in European Parliament.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3QK...

3 31 110