https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandolini%27s_law
https://modelthinkers.com/mental-model/bullshit-asymmetry-principle
https://criticalfallibilism.com/brandolinis-law/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/machiavellians-gulling-the-rubes/202008/brandolinis-law-why-bullshooters-outperform-bull
https://www.nature.com/articles/540171a
Brandolini’s Law, also known as the Brandolini’s Bullshit Asymmetry Principle, is a humorous adage that highlights the asymmetry between the effort required to create false or misleading information and the effort required to debunk or refute that information. It was coined by Italian programmer Alberto Brandolini in 2013 during a Twitter conversation about the proliferation of misinformation and pseudo-scientific claims on the internet.
The law states:
“The amount of energy needed to refute bullshit is an order of magnitude bigger than to produce it.”
In other words, it’s much easier and quicker to spread false information or nonsense than it is to fact-check and provide a well-reasoned response to debunk it. This concept reflects the challenge of combating misinformation and the “illusory truth effect,” where repeated exposure to false information can lead to increased belief in its validity.
Brandolini’s Law underscores the importance of critical thinking, fact-checking, and skepticism in an era of easy information dissemination through social media and online platforms. It serves as a reminder that addressing misinformation requires not only vigilance but also an understanding of cognitive biases that can lead people to accept falsehoods.
Comments are closed.