Why Do We Turn on Innocent People?
Summary
Hosts Michael Stevens and Hannah Fry explore the psychology of false accusations and witch hunts, using the Richard Jewell case and the McMartin preschool panic as primary examples. They analyze how confirmation bias, belief perseverance, and social media outrage amplify misinformation and mob mentality. The episode also covers historical parallels like the Gestapo and Salem trials, illustrating how personal gain and fear drive unjust accusations.
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