Smoke and mirrors: when does indifference to truth become socially acceptable?

Abstract

The current research project aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the social phenomenon of bullshit. Across three studies (Study 1: N = 133; Study 2: N = 266; Study 3: N = 255), we examined the extent to which individuals are receptive to and engage with various forms of bullshit information, including pseudo-profound information (Studies 1 to 3) and fake news (Studies 2 and 3). More specifically, using a cross-sectional survey design, we explored whether and how the perceived normativity of providing an opinion (Studies 1 to 3), the social context (Study 3), and scepticism toward an “objective” truth (Studies 1 to 3) influence bullshit receptivity and engagement. Our results indicate, first, that receptivity to misinformation is heterogeneous in nature in that persuasive bullshitting was positively related to fake news receptivity, but not to pseudo-profound statements. Secondly, the conceptualisation of the obligation to provide an opinion from a social norm perspective influenced the extent to which individuals share misinformation. Finally, rejection of an “objective” truth was to some extent related to the receptivity of various forms of misinformation, such that conspiracy ideation was associated with receptivity to both pseudo-profound statements and fake news, but not with engagement with misinformation sharing. The scope and implications of our results are discussed in detail.