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Why people fall for misinformation - Joseph Isaac

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31,895 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

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In 1901, David Hänig published research that led to what we know today as the taste map: an illustration that divides the tongue into four separate areas. It has since been published in textbooks and newspapers. There is just one problem: the map is wrong. So how do misconceptions like this spread, and what makes a fake fact so easy to believe? Joseph Isaac dives into the world of misinformation.

False information can spread for reasons that range from the innocuous (such as human error) to the sinister (such as organized campaigns of deception). What are some problems that false information can create for people?

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About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Joseph Isaac
  • Director Bálint Gelley
  • Narrator Addison Anderson
  • Art Director Bálint Halasi
  • Storyboard Artist Daniel Gray
  • Animator Bálint Halasi
  • Compositor Bálint Halasi
  • Music József Iszlai
  • Sound Designer József Iszlai
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
  • Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott
  • Editorial Producer Dan Kwartler
  • Fact-Checker Eden Girma

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