ALT Every day, FENS will share projects funded for BAW coupled with prominent research from the European Journal of Neuroscience, each day with a different theme. Today’s theme: accessible neuroscience!

ALT Neuroscience gives us insight into how our the brains process information. and this can strengthen our cognitive defence against fake news. An EJN 2022 article explored the problem of misinformation and the neurobiological processes behind its appeal to internet users. According to the paper, several factors make fake news both engaging and persistent. These include increased sensibility towards surprising or disruptive content, reduced critical thinking during highly emotional states, and our preference for familiarity and belonging, which can lead to mental biases.

ALT We are more susceptible to misinformation when we are unaware of the mechanisms behind why certain information feels appealing or convincing. A basic understanding of neuroscience could help us develop strategies to counter fake news. For this reason, making neuroscience accessible and understandable to the public can have a positive social impact.