Today in #DetectingDeception is the Big Lie, which has been showing up in posts and news stories more as the senate trial for the second impeachment moves towards a start. Essentially, speakers say something untrue emphatically and repeatedly.

2/ The technique is often credited back to Nazi Germany where it was used. But we've seen good instances over the last few years. Calling everything #FakeNews, for example, or stating that #COVID would simply disappear.

3/ Here are a few reasons big lies can work. First, we tend to take the word of authority figures, at least to an extent. We trusted in order to give the authority and hope to use that for a shorthand for what to believe.

4/ Those figures can abuse that trust - state the untrue again and again, with feeling. Some will have their critical thinking engaged and will reject it. Others won't. And that causes a second issue: cascades.

5/ You sometimes accept things because people around you think they are true. Social proof. This can be good, like smelling bad is socially bad and washing keeps you healthy. It can be bad if it's a folk medicine that harms like butter on a burn.

6/"Many people are saying..." If the authority figure convinces the folks who short-circuit critical thinking in favor of authority, the Big Lie can spread, because

7/ "I've heard about that" Eventually, you get familiarity. Things you've heard of are more likely to be acceptable. It's why incumbents and prominent people have advantages in elections. As the Big Lie gets repeated more, it gets easier to believe.

8/ Efforts to disprove a Big Lie are important, but can also make it worse, if they improve familiarity. That's why the truth sandwich is vital for journalists and social media repeaters.

Thing person said is untrue
Here's why
Thing person said is untrue

9/ The cure for the Big Lie is evidence. Ask yourself "What proof is offered?" Gently ask others "What evidence was given? Why is that good evidence?" Think before you share and help #FightFakeNews #DetectingDeception