Can someone's political identity actually affect their ability to process information? The answer lies in a cognitive phenomenon known as partisanship. While identifying with social groups is an essential and healthy part of life, it can become a problem when the group's beliefs are at odds with reality. So how can we recognize and combat partisanship? Jay Van Bavel shares helpful strategies. [Directed by Patrick Smith, narrated by Addison Anderson].

Jay Van Bavel: Do politics make us irrational?

Do politics make us irrational?

Combatting partisan bias demands rigorous self-awareness and valuing fact-checking within one's community for clearer truth.

Even top mathematicians' answers to math problems are swayed by their political beliefs, revealing deep cognitive biases.

Strategies like fact-checking and valuing diverse perspectives can mitigate partisanship's effect on our perception of reality.