The Filter | Verify This

Political tension and an ongoing public health crisis have one thing in common: misinformation. So how do we learn what’s what?

This episode is a conversation starter. In episode four, we look at how belief systems changed and were shaped this past year while tapping into how they evolved in public health and politics. 

We learn with Dr. Beth Vonnahme, a professor of political science at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Then we speak to Jason Glenn, a historian and philosopher of medicine at the University of Kansas Medical Center, who explains what he’s done to quell misinformation about the COVID vaccine and build bridges to better understanding.

What we read and listened to: 

Here are a few fascinating reads and listens we found during our research for this episode. Dig in and let us know what you think! Tweet us at @vickyd_c and @fentywise. 

• Is there a way to combat or stop people from going down misinformation rabbit holes? This expert says yes. Listen to NPR’s Short Wave, a science podcast, to learn how.
• Vox broke down the famous Nikki Minaj incident where she warned people to “do their own research” about the COVID vaccines. Turns out she was basing her hesitancy on an incident that happened to her cousin in Trinidad, which has become a sort of pop culture meme around the internet. Read more here. 
• Did you know psychologists are studying uncertainty? This American Psychological Association brief outlines a few fascinating facts and includes links to current studies. If so inclined, read it here.
• Here’s a link to the research paper from the International Society of Political Psychology on conspiracy theories, which we cite in the episode.

Production team credits: Ieshia Downton, Vicky Diaz-Camacho, Naina Rao, Felicia Diaz, PJ Kelly and Ana Parra.

Theme song credit: Aysia Berlynn and Primary Color Music.