Misinformation, Fake News, and Dueling Fact Perceptions in Public Opinion and Elections

Abstract

This chapter considers the polarized politics of truth in the United States. The chapter starts by distinguishing the most relevant concepts associated with this phenomenon. Next, it explores the proximal causes (and their psychological mechanisms), which include partisan tribalism, social identities, value projection, and media (including fake news). From there, the chapter documents the consequences of these phenomena, which include policy gridlock, social disdain, and a warped electorate. Finally, it scores the revealed usefulness of a few proposed correctives.