Irrational beliefs: sociological and psychological perspectives

This lecture explores the reasons behind our susceptibility to irrational beliefs, even when faced with evidence contradicting them. It delves into sociological variables such as the social function of beliefs and the impact of age, gender, education, and socioeconomic status on superstitions. Additionally, it discusses psychological biases like conformity, cognitive dissonance, and cognitive heuristics, shedding light on how these factors influence our beliefs. The lecture also examines the role of the internet in belief dissemination, highlighting how online platforms shape and amplify cognitive biases. It concludes by analyzing the structure of information cascades on social media and the challenges posed by algorithmic biases in information retrieval.