Psychology of Belief and Disinformation

In today’s digital world, we are surrounded by a constant flow of information. Some of it is accurate and reliable—but some is not. False and misleading content, especially disinformation, can influence how people think, feel, and act on important issues such as climate change. This is not only a challenge for scientists and policymakers but for all of us.

This module explores the psychological processes behind belief formation and why disinformation—particularly climate-related disinformation—spreads so easily and sticks so firmly. Understanding these mechanisms can help us become more resilient to false claims, make better-informed decisions, and support others in doing the same.

We will examine how identity, emotions, memory, and social networks affect what we believe. We will also look at practical, research-based strategies to recognise, resist, and respond to disinformation. By learning how beliefs are shaped and manipulated, we can better protect ourselves and our communities against harmful content and support constructive public dialogue on climate action.