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Hidden Brain · March 23, 2026 · 52m

Group Think

Jay Van Bavel on how group identity shapes what we perceive, believe, and do. You literally see the world differently depending on which group you identify with. Partisan perception isn't a choice — it's a perceptual filter that operates below conscious awareness.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Canon

Van Bavel's research extends the MIT finding: misinformation spreads faster when it reinforces group identity. The group amplifies the falsehood.

Highlights

Group identity changes what you literally perceive — not just what you believe
Van Bavel's research: people shown ambiguous images perceive them differently based on which group identity is activated. This isn't bias — it's perception.
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