Matthew Facciani is a postdoctoral researcher at The University of Notre Dame in the Computer Science and Engineering Department. He is an interdisciplinary social scientist with a background in neuroscience and psychology and holds a PhD in sociology. His research focuses on media literacy, misinformation, social networks, political polarization, identities, and artificial intelligence. Beyond academia, Matthew is a passionate science communicator, dedicated to making complex social science research accessible to the public. He has written for various media outlets, spoken at national conferences, and hosts Misguided: The Podcast, where he explores how social and psychological forces shape the way we process and consume information. His new book, Misguided: Where Misinformation Starts, How It Spreads, and What to Do About It, was recently published by Columbia University Press. Through his research and public engagement, Matthew strives to bridge the gap between academia and everyday conversations about truth, trust, and media literacy.
Title of Talk: The Social Psychology of Health Misinformation: Rebuilding Trust in Medicine
Misinformation about health and medicine has become a daily challenge for physicians, from vaccine hesitancy to alternative treatment claims. This lecture uses insights from social psychology to explain why patients are drawn to health misinformation focusing on the role of identity, social networks, and trust. We will explore evidence-based strategies for rebuilding trust in clinical encounters, strengthening physician–patient relationships, and supporting health literacy.
Time: Oct. 15th, 2025 12:00 PM Eastern Time
Please register for the zoom using the link below
ZOOM Registration Link:
https://mountsinai.zoom.us/j/97577151463
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