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A ‘vaccine booster shot’ for your brain 🧠

New research shows that mental booster shots can strengthen long-term resistance to misinformation, like a vaccine for your brain. These interventions, delivered through text, videos, or games, teach people to recognize misleading content. Without follow-ups, the effect fades quickly.

Memory-boosting reminders keep these skills sharp. A quick refresher, like a pop quiz or well-timed prompt, reinforces the original training. Unlike scare tactics about misinformation, these boosters work by improving recall, making people more resistant over time.

With misinformation spreading fast, these brain boosters offer a practical way to build lasting digital literacy and keep critical thinking in top shape.

Read the full study here 👈

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Learn to love uncertainty ❤️

Not knowing something can feel like an itch you can’t scratch, but research suggests embracing uncertainty has its perks.

People who hate uncertainty are more likely to fall for fake news, while those who lean into the unknown are better learners and more adaptable. Turns out, admitting “I don’t know” is benefit, not a flaw.

Psychologists Jessica Alquist and Roy Baumeister found that uncertainty nudges us to seek information, prepare for the unexpected, and avoid blindly accepting nonsense. Think of it like mental weightlifting; uncomfortable at first, but it makes you stronger.

Want to build your uncertainty tolerance? Researchers suggest trying a new food, talking to a stranger, or swapping your usual playlist for something wildly different. 

The world’s full of unknowns. Might as well have fun with them.

Read the full study here 👈

High-profile suicides cause copycat behaviour 😞

When a celebrity dies by suicide, the shockwaves can extend far beyond headlines. Research shows that high-profile suicides often lead to a rise in suicide rates, a phenomenon known as suicidal contagion.

After Robin Williams’ death, suicide rates spiked, with many mimicking his method. The same pattern followed the losses of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain.

How the media handles these tragedies matters. Sensationalizing or detailing methods fuels the Werther Effect, increasing risk for vulnerable individuals. Responsible reporting, known as the Papageno Effect, does the opposite, highlighting resources and hope to reduce harm.

Public health efforts can help break the cycle. Avoiding explicit details, steering clear of romanticized narratives, and sharing crisis resources all make a difference. Thoughtful coverage and open conversations about mental health save lives.

Read the full report here 👈

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Dan from Cognitive Crumbs