Information Overload

This episode examines how information overload contributes to the spread of misinformation, utilizing the stressor-strain-outcome model to illustrate how excessive information creates psychological strain and increases the likelihood of sharing unverified content. It highlights individual resilience as a crucial protective factor, capable of mitigating these negative effects through cognitive filtering, emotional stability, and critical thinking skills. Furthermore, the episode introduces the concept of "weaponized distrust," explaining how misinformation is deliberately used to exploit existing suspicions for profit and influence, particularly by social media influencers and conspiracy brokers who monetize fear and promote unverified health claims. These actors leverage platform algorithms and curated authenticity to transform pseudoscience into revenue streams, demonstrating a systemic disinformation economy.