Empowerment instead of mind-control. Why myth-busting does not interfere with intellectual independence
Journal
The Inquisitive Mind
Type
digital resource
Date Issued
2025-07-24
Author(s)
Abstract
“Myth-busting is just policing thought!” “Fact-checkers tell us what to think!” These claims are common, but do they hold up? Ironically, while myth-busting aims to foster critical thinking, it is often accused of shutting it down. This article examines why challenging misinformation empowers rather than controls, and why myth-busting strengthens, rather than weakens, intellectual independence.
Language
English (United States)
Keywords
mythbusting
critical thinking
mental immunity
intellectual independence
empowerment
prebunking
debunking
refutation
mind
myth
misinformation
control
fact-checking
censorship
claim
argumentation
science
educational research
misconception
manipulation
indoctrination
brainwashing
heuristics
sustainability education
Inoculation
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
Yes
Volume
61
Number
7
Division(s)
Contact Email Address
stefan.siegel@unisg.ch
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
open.access
Name
Siegel 2025 Empowerment instead of mind-control In-Mind Article.pdf
Size
5.78 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
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