Political leaders’ views on COVID-19 risk are highly infectious in a polarized nation – we see the same with climate change

Research and a recent campaign rally show how political leaders' rhetoric can shape risk perceptions among their loyal followers.

Wanyun Shao, Assistant Professor of Geography, University of Alabama • conversation
Oct. 13, 2020 • ~7 min

Political leaders' attitudes toward COVID-19 risk are highly infectious in a polarized nation – just like climate change denial

Research and a recent campaign rally show how political leaders' rhetoric can shape risk perceptions among their loyal followers.

Wanyun Shao, Assistant Professor of Geography, University of Alabama • conversation
Oct. 13, 2020 • ~7 min

5 COVID-19 myths politicians have repeated that just aren't true

The purveyors of these myths, including politicians who have been soft peddling the impact of the coronavirus, aren't doing the country any favors.

Geoffrey Joyce, Director of Health Policy, USC Schaeffer Center, and Associate Professor, University of Southern California • conversation
July 8, 2020 • ~8 min

Coronavirus responses highlight how humans are hardwired to dismiss facts that don't fit their worldview

Whether in situations relating to scientific consensus, economic history or current political events, denialism has its roots in what psychologists call 'motivated reasoning.'

Adrian Bardon, Professor of Philosophy, Wake Forest University • conversation
June 25, 2020 • ~9 min

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