Misinformation: How False Beliefs Spread

Facilitator: Sidna Rachid, (970) 215-9343, sidnarachid@hotmail.com Dates: Thursdays, Jan. 9 — Feb. 27, 2025 Time: 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM Texts: Articles, YouTube videos, and Internet sites will be used Presentations: A volunteer to present each week’s case study Location: Foothills Activity Center

People are ready to believe almost anything depending on how it’s presented to them, whether it conforms with their beliefs, and whether they want to believe it.

In this class, we’ll try to understand why false beliefs spread so quickly and are so hard to dispel.

Throughout the eight weeks, we’ll look at: the psychology of misinformation, how data is manipulated, how industry interferes and delays actions, how journalists help spread misinformation, the use of propaganda, political misinformation, and the role of social media.

I hope you’ll join me to learn more about a topic which is both fascinating and increasingly important.