This podcast episode delves into the complex interplay between trust, cognition, misinformation, and decision-making. It begins by arguing that human beings are not as gullible as we might think and that mass persuasion is very difficult to pull off. The discussion then explores the psychological and cognitive factors that contribute to irrational beliefs, including misinformation, cultural biases, and emotional factors. The podcast also discusses the limitations of AI in terms of influencing public discourse, emphasizing the importance of attention and the role of direct experience and interpersonal communication in persuasion. Overall, the episode provides a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities we face in navigating the modern information environment, offering insights into how we can better understand and combat misinformation and make more informed decisions.