Information that individuals choose for themselves, particularly through online interactions, significantly influences their perception of truth. A recent study conducted by researchers at the Ruhr University Bochum highlights how self-selected information carries more weight than passively received content. The findings, published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General on January 24, 2026, reveal a phenomenon known as the “truth effect,” which suggests that repeated exposure to information leads individuals to perceive it as more truthful.
Through a series of eight experiments involving nearly 1,000 participants, the research team, led by Dr. Moritz Ingendahl of the Social Cognition Lab, examined the influence of information selection on truth perception. Participants were presented with statements, such as, “The bee hummingbird is the smallest bird in the world,” either randomly or thematically based on their selections. Following this, they evaluated the truthfulness of both reiterated and novel information.
The results confirmed prior findings that participants tended to assign greater credibility to information they had encountered multiple times compared to new data. Ingendahl noted, “We could also demonstrate that reiteration has a bigger impact when the subjects selected the information themselves instead of when it was presented randomly.”
Implications for Digital Media
This research has significant implications for how information spreads in the digital age. People are more likely to share information they find credible, particularly when it has been reiterated. The act of clicking on headlines not only reinforces belief in the content but also contributes to its wider dissemination on social media platforms.
Ingendahl emphasized the role of personal choice in shaping beliefs: “We also decide who we follow, thereby already choosing the information that we receive.” Online media often require users to click to access full content, further encouraging selective engagement.
The researchers suggest that the reasons behind the increased influence of self-selected information may lie in cognitive processing mechanisms. Ingendahl explained, “Actively searching for information entails more alertness and cognitive resources.” Participants demonstrated better recall of information they actively selected compared to those they passively encountered.
Potential for Misinformation
The findings raise concerns regarding the propagation of misinformation. The enhanced credibility granted to frequently encountered information could facilitate the spread of false claims, making it challenging for fact-checking initiatives to counteract these narratives.
Conversely, the researchers posit that presenting factual information in an engaging manner could enhance its effectiveness. If individuals are encouraged to actively seek out verified information, this could mitigate the impact of misleading content.
The study underscores the importance of understanding how personal agency in information selection can shape beliefs in an increasingly digitized world. Ingendahl and his team aim to explore further how these cognitive processes influence the acceptance of both true and false information.
In conclusion, the Bochum research team highlights the critical role that self-selection plays in shaping our understanding of truth in the digital landscape. As individuals become more discerning about the information they consume, the longstanding dynamics of belief and credibility are evolving, presenting both challenges and opportunities in communication and media literacy.
