The false and the furious: We aren’t just bothered by different beliefs – we’re bothered when we think others are wrong

Differences in beliefs may not be what drives people apart. A belief that someone else is wrong may be the stronger force.

By: Andras Molnar, University of Michigan and George Loewenstein, Carnegie Mellon University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: August 13, 2026

Words: 1,220

Last Updated: 5 days, 6 hours ago

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By Andras Molnar, University of Michigan and George Loewenstein, Carnegie Mellon University

Why do disagreements about vaccines, climate change or elections often feel so personal? Our research suggests it is not simply because other people have different beliefs. It is because we think those beliefs are mistaken.

We are behavioral scientists who study the role of beliefs in politics and everyday life. Our new research finds that people are …

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