Name: The pattern behind self-deception
Uploaded: 2010-06-14T09:23:00Z
Duration: 18 min 44 s
Description: Michael Shermer says the human tendency to believe strange things -- from alien abductions to dowsing rods -- boils down to two of the brain's most basic, hard-wired survival skills. He explains what they are, and how they get us into trouble.

Michael Shermer says the human tendency to believe strange things -- from alien abductions to dowsing rods -- boils down to two of the brain's most basic, hard-wired survival skills. He explains what they are, and how they get us into trouble.

Michael Shermer: The pattern behind self-deception

The pattern behind self-deception

Our brains are wired for 'patternicity,' instinctively finding patterns where none exist, leading to superstitions and misbeliefs.

Dopamine levels influence our perception of patterns, affecting creativity and susceptibility to false beliefs and conspiracies.

Belief is innate; skepticism requires effort. Understanding our brain's pattern-seeking leads to recognizing false positives.