The deadly consequences of magical thinking
As a child, I loved the Chronicles of Narnia books by C.S. Lewis, and I desperately wanted them to be true. I would, for example, sit in a closet and wish as hard as I could that it would turn into a portal to another universe. If I could believe in magic hard enough, I could make it come true. At a certain point, I gave up and slowly let go of the fantasy.
Belief in magic can be a delightful and developmentally significant aspect of childhood. It allows children to tap into their boundless imaginations, fostering creativity and cognitive development. Imaginary worlds, fantastical creatures, and magical scenarios enable children to explore their curiosity, problem-solving skills, and emotional understanding in a safe and enchanting environment. This imaginative play can be a source of joy, helping children make sense of the world while building social and emotional skills through shared experiences with peers.
However, when these magical beliefs persist into adulthood, they can become impediments to understanding and responding to the world as it truly is. As adults, we must rely on evidence-based reasoning and critical thinking to make informed decisions and navigate the complexities of life. Holding onto magical beliefs without a basis in reality can hinder our ability to adapt, problem-solve, and engage with the world and other people rationally and productively. Therefore, while magical thinking has its place in childhood, it is essential to transition into a more grounded and evidence-driven worldview as we mature.
Magical and superstitious thinking is the human inclination to attribute supernatural or irrational causes to events, outcomes, or phenomena without a clear scientific explanation. This thinking often involves beliefs in luck, charms, omens, rituals, and supernatural forces, which people believe can influence or control life events. While magical thinking can sometimes be harmless and serve as a source of comfort or a cultural tradition, it can also lead to irrational decision-making, as individuals may rely on superstitions instead of evidence-based reasoning.
Neuroscientific research suggests that when individuals engage in superstitious behaviors or believe in magic rituals, their brain’s reward system can be activated. This means that the brain releases feel-good chemicals like dopamine, which can reinforce the belief in these irrational practices. Moreover, attributing positive outcomes to their superstitious behaviors can create a false sense of control and causality in the brain. This may lead to a confirmation bias, where individuals selectively remember instances when their superstitions seemed to work while ignoring when they didn’t. Magical and superstitious thinking can influence cognitive processes and emotional responses, even when there is no scientific basis for the beliefs.
When these beliefs become deeply ingrained, they can lead to irrational decision-making, misinformation, and a rejection of scientific evidence. In extreme cases, such views can contribute to the spread of dangerous pseudosciences, such as anti-vaccine movements or conspiracy theories, which can have deadly consequences for public health.
Moreover, magical and superstitious thinking can foster social divisions, as different groups may hold incompatible beliefs impervious to rational discourse. This can lead to social polarization and hinder collective efforts to address pressing issues like climate change or public health crises. A healthy and functioning society must prioritize evidence-based reasoning, critical thinking, and a commitment to understanding the world as it truly is rather than through the lens of unsupported beliefs.
Here are examples of how these phenomena can have harmful consequences in the contexts of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and the influence of cults and partisan politics.
COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic saw a deadly convergence of magical thinking and the partisan politicizing of science, resulting in exponentially more deaths and detrimental consequences. Magical thinking, in the form of unfounded miracle cures, pseudoscientific treatments, and denial of the virus’s severity, led individuals to reject proven public health measures like mask-wearing and vaccination. Simultaneously, the politicization of science fueled by partisan interests distorted the response to the pandemic, with some political leaders downplaying the virus’s threat and promoting unproven treatments for electoral gains. This toxic combination eroded public trust in expert guidance and created a climate where misinformation thrived.
The result was not only a tragic loss of lives but also a prolonged and exacerbated public health crisis, illustrating how the interplay of magical thinking and partisan politics can have devastating consequences in the face of a global emergency. According to a rigorous study by the National Institute of Health, in the 15 months between May 30, 2021, and September 3, 2022, there were at least 232,000 COVID-19 deaths in the United States that could have been prevented with at least one vaccination dose. This doesn’t even include the number of preventable deaths due to the refusal of large portions of the American public to wear masks or take other measures to prevent the spread of the disease. Another study found that a single motorcycle rally in South Dakota in August 2020, where mask-wearing was socially unacceptable and anti-science sentiment was dominant, caused a fivefold increase in COVID-19 cases in that state, resulting in thousands of unnecessary deaths, enormous financial costs, and human suffering.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories about the disease, its origins, and potential cures have been rampant. This proliferation of false information has been facilitated by the ease of sharing content on social media platforms and the echo chambers that often reinforce such narratives. Some individuals have turned to magical thinking, believing in miracle cures or denying the seriousness of the virus based on superstitions or unfounded beliefs. This kind of magical thinking can be seen in promoting unproven treatments, such as ingesting bleach or relying solely on essential oils, which not only endangers public health but also diverts individuals from following evidence-based guidance from health authorities.
The consequences of magical thinking during the pandemic have been dire. It has led to a reluctance to adopt preventive measures like mask-wearing and vaccination, contributing to the virus’s continued spread. Additionally, undermining scientific consensus by embracing unfounded beliefs has strained public trust in experts and institutions, making it challenging for societies to coordinate effective responses to the crisis. This starkly illustrates how magical thinking, coupled with misinformation dissemination, can have devastating consequences for public health and erode the social fabric needed for collective action in times of crisis.
Climate change denialism
Climate change denialism, as well as other forms of science denialism, can often be traced back to the influence of partisan politics and corporate interests. In these cases, individuals or groups with a stake in maintaining the status quo, such as fossil fuel industries, often support or promote climate change denialism to protect their financial interests. Additionally, partisan politics can exacerbate the issue, with politicians and organizations aligning with specific ideologies rejecting well-established scientific consensus on climate change. This denialism hinders meaningful action to address environmental challenges and underscores the broader issue of how political and corporate interests can shape public perception and obstruct evidence-based policy-making in various scientific domains.
Religious beliefs sometimes intersect with climate change denialism and science denialism more broadly, posing challenges to individuals and society. In some instances, religious convictions may conflict with scientific findings, leading to skepticism or rejection of evidence-based conclusions, such as climate change caused by human activities. When these beliefs are used to undermine science, they can hinder the development of effective policies and solutions for critical global challenges. However, it’s important to note that many religious groups and leaders have embraced environmental stewardship and climate action, demonstrating that religious beliefs and science need not conflict. The key is finding a harmonious balance that respects faith while acknowledging and addressing the scientific realities that affect our planet and society.
The politicization of scientific facts poses a grave threat to individuals and society. When scientific findings become entangled with partisan ideologies, it can erode public trust in the integrity of scientific research and the institutions that rely on it. This, in turn, can hinder the implementation of evidence-based policies and solutions, leaving society ill-prepared to address pressing issues, such as climate change, public health crises, or technological advancements. Moreover, it fosters a climate of misinformation, where facts are distorted or disregarded to suit political agendas, ultimately jeopardizing the well-being and progress of a society that should be grounded in objective, data-driven decision-making.
Although the causes and existential risks of climate change have been known since the 1980’s, and humanity has had ample opportunity to prevent the crisis, we have collectively failed in this task. Science denialism has played and continues to play a central role in this failure, leaving us with the colossal task of managing a global crisis that is already unfolding, and will cause millions of deaths and immense human suffering at a staggering financial cost. I am still optimistic that humanity will rise to the challenge, but first we must face the reality of the mess we’re in.
Cults and partisan politics
There are notable similarities between cults and extreme partisan politics that revolve around group identity, ideological rigidity, and manipulating followers’ beliefs and emotions. Both phenomena often demand unwavering loyalty to a set of beliefs or a charismatic leader, discouraging dissent or critical thinking. They can create echo chambers where members are isolated from alternative perspectives, reinforcing their worldviews and deepening their commitment. In both cases, there’s a tendency to vilify outsiders or opposing groups, fostering an “us versus them” mindset that has resulted in thousands of incidents of hostility and violence.
Moreover, cults and extreme partisan politics frequently employ emotional manipulation and persuasive tactics to maintain control and sway followers, making it challenging for individuals to break free from their influence. Recognizing these parallels is essential for promoting healthy, open-minded discourse and fostering critical thinking.
Cults, often characterized by their insular communities and rigid belief systems, can significantly harm individuals and society by promoting magical thinking. In cults, supernatural beliefs are often central to their doctrines, whether it’s the veneration of a charismatic leader as a divine figure, the endorsement of apocalyptic prophecies, or the reliance on pseudoscientific practices for healing or well-being. This magical thinking can lead to psychological manipulation, exploitation, and the erosion of critical thinking among cult members.
Individuals in cults may surrender their autonomy, financial resources, and even personal well-being in service of these magical beliefs, resulting in profound emotional and physical suffering. Moreover, cults can fragment families and communities, causing societal harm as they isolate members from mainstream society and drive a wedge between loved ones. Recognizing and understanding the dangers of magical thinking within cults is crucial for safeguarding individuals and the broader social fabric from the devastating consequences of such manipulative and harmful ideologies.
Extreme partisan politics, just like cults, often employ magical thinking and disinformation as potent tools to manipulate individuals and sow discord and division in society. In this context, magical thinking can manifest as unwavering belief in a particular political ideology or leader to the extent that it transcends rational discourse and critical evaluation.
Disinformation campaigns, which thrive on falsehoods, exaggerations, or cherry-picked facts, reinforce these magical beliefs, driving a wedge between opposing political factions and further entrenching their respective worldviews. This manipulation can lead individuals to reject evidence-based policies, vilify political opponents, and undermine the democratic process. The consequences extend beyond politics, as such division and misinformation can hinder collective efforts to address critical societal challenges, from climate change to public health crises. Recognizing and combating the harmful effects of magical thinking and disinformation in extreme partisan politics is essential for promoting a healthier and more functional democratic society.
Promoting a fact-based worldview
The consequences of magical thinking and non-fact-based worldviews can be dire in all of these cases. They can lead to unnecessary suffering, loss of life, and societal discord. Faced with global threats to human civilization, such as the climate crisis, global pandemics, and nuclear war, we can’t afford to play games with our collective future.
Promoting a scientific, fact-based worldview while combatting the proliferation of magical thinking and disinformation constitutes a paramount challenge in contemporary society. To address these complex challenges, a multi-pronged approach is imperative. First and foremost, implementing comprehensive media literacy education programs is a foundational strategy. Such initiatives, when integrated into educational curricula and community outreach efforts, equip individuals with the essential skills to critically assess the credibility of information sources, identify misinformation, and discern reliable data from fallacious narratives. By nurturing a population adept at distinguishing fact from fiction, society can mitigate the impact of magical thinking and disinformation on public discourse and decision-making processes.
In addition to media literacy education, a second vital avenue involves enhancing the efficacy of science communication. Scientists and experts must endeavor to refine their communication skills, ensuring they can effectively convey intricate scientific concepts in an accessible and comprehensible manner. By adopting clear and relatable language coupled with illustrative examples, these professionals can facilitate a more seamless knowledge transfer between the scientific community and the broader public. This bridging of the communication divide fosters trust in authoritative sources of information, enhancing the public’s capacity to grasp and embrace evidence-based insights. Consequently, promoting accessible science communication contributes significantly to cultivating a fact-based worldview within society, mitigating the influence of magical thinking and disinformation.
Laws and regulations governing harmful disinformation and anti-science are imperative in our modern information age, particularly in light of the explosion of AI-generated content and deepfakes. Just as society recognizes the danger of falsely shouting “Fire!” in a crowded auditorium, we must acknowledge the severe consequences of spreading disinformation that can incite panic, endanger lives, damage economies, and threaten our planet’s sustainability. While safeguarding freedom of speech is essential, there must be legal boundaries to curtail the spread of misinformation that poses significant harm. Striking a balance between protecting the public from potentially lethal falsehoods and upholding free expression is crucial for the well-being and stability of societies in the 21st century.
Designers across all disciplines are responsible in our increasingly digital world, extending beyond aesthetics and functionality. They have a critical role in promoting a fact-based worldview and preventing the damaging misuse of technologies like social media platforms, which have become instrumental in the rapid dissemination of disinformation. Designers wield the power to shape user experiences and interfaces, and with that power comes the obligation to prioritize truth, ethics, and societal well-being.
By designing with transparency, data accuracy, and critical thinking in mind, they can contribute to building platforms and systems that foster honest information sharing, reduce the spread of false narratives, and ultimately empower individuals to make informed decisions. The responsibility to counteract the negative consequences of technology through thoughtful design choices is an essential part of their role in an interconnected, information-driven world.
In the cobbled tapestry of our shared existence, the future of humanity and our planet hinges on our capacity to confront the world as it truly is rather than how we might wish it to be. The perils of magical thinking and superstition cannot guide us through the complex challenges of our age. Instead, it is through rational inquiry, evidence-based decision-making, and a commitment to scientific understanding that we can navigate the intricate web of global issues, from climate change to public health crises. Embracing reality, even when inconvenient or uncomfortable, is our best path forward — a path toward a future where knowledge, reason, and collective wisdom light our way to designing a more sustainable and harmonious world.
Sources:
The House of Make-Believe: Children’s Play and the Developing Imagination by Dorothy G. Singer and Jerome L. Singer, 2007. https://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674408753
Delusions, superstitious conditioning and chaotic dopamine neurodynamics by A. Shaner, 1999. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/12959135_Delusions_superstitious_conditioning_and_chaotic_dopamine_neurodynamics
The Psychology and Neuroscience of Partisanship by Elizabeth Harris, Philip Parnamets, Anne Sternisko, Claire Robertson, and Jay J. Van Babel, from the Cambridge Handbook of Psychology edited by Danny Osborn, 2022. https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/the-cambridge-handbook-of-political-psychology/136AC489483CFEEE510DEDA814A6A20D
Science Denial and COVID Conspiracy Theories: Possible Neurological Mechanisms and Possible Responses by Bruce L. Miller, 2020. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33136157/
Estimated preventable COVID-19-associated deaths due to non-vaccination in the United States by Jia KM, Hanage WP, Lipsitch M, Johnson AG, Amin AB, Ali AR, Scobie HM, Swerdlow DL. 2023 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10123459/
The contagion externality of a superspreading event: The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and COVID-19 by Dave D, McNichols D, Sabia JJ, 2021 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7753804/
