Outsmarting misinformation: A simple conversational trick that really works
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In today’s fast-paced world, it can feel harder than ever to separate truth from fiction—especially online.
With just a few clicks, misinformation can spread far and wide, often showing up in everyday conversations with friends, family, or even on community message boards.
For older Americans who’ve watched the news evolve from trusted newspapers and nightly broadcasts to a constant stream of social media updates, navigating this new landscape can be not only frustrating but overwhelming at times.
But what if there were a more effective—and far less stressful—way to respond when someone shares a false or misleading claim?
Something that encourages real conversation without causing tension?
Talking things through can open the door to better understanding and respectful conversations. Image Source: Pexels / Joshua Miranda.
Instead of trying to correct misinformation directly, a method known as the bypassing technique is gaining attention.
This approach avoids head-on confrontation.
Instead of arguing against the false claim, you share true, positive information about the same topic.
The Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) found that directly challenging misinformation—while logical—isn’t always effective.
In fact, it can cause people to double down on incorrect beliefs.
Bypassing, on the other hand, introduces new information that shifts the conversation without escalating it.
Say someone claims that GMOs are dangerous.
Instead of debating that point, you might respond with something like, “It’s encouraging to see how GMOs are helping reduce global hunger and improve nutrition in places that need it most.”
You’re not validating the misinformation—you’re steering the discussion to a more constructive place.
This technique was tested in six experiments, and consistently showed better results than traditional fact-checking.
In particular, it improved attitudes toward certain topics, which often face public skepticism.
The bypassing approach acts like verbal aikido—you don’t resist with force, but instead redirect the energy of the conversation.
It’s not about changing someone’s deeply held beliefs, but about softening their stance on certain topics or ideas.
Over time, this can lead to more open-minded discussions and reduced tension in conversations.
It’s also a respectful strategy.
Rather than making others feel judged or corrected, you invite them into a new way of thinking—one that emphasizes curiosity and shared understanding!
Bypassing is especially useful in personal conversations—think coffee chats, family dinners, or social gatherings—where maintaining relationships matters.
It’s not meant for correcting harmful conspiracy theories in public forums, but it works well for nudging everyday conversations in a more positive direction.
It also helps protect your own peace of mind. Instead of entering a frustrating back-and-forth, you’re offering a calm, clear alternative that may be more impactful in the long run.
Misinformation isn’t going away—but how we handle it can change.
By using tools like the bypassing technique, we can foster more thoughtful, respectful dialogue, even when we disagree.
And that’s something everyone can appreciate!
Read next: Think you can spot a liar? You might be looking in the wrong place
Have you ever used this technique? What works best for you when dealing with misinformation? Share your experiences in the comments below—we’d love to hear your approach!
With just a few clicks, misinformation can spread far and wide, often showing up in everyday conversations with friends, family, or even on community message boards.
For older Americans who’ve watched the news evolve from trusted newspapers and nightly broadcasts to a constant stream of social media updates, navigating this new landscape can be not only frustrating but overwhelming at times.
But what if there were a more effective—and far less stressful—way to respond when someone shares a false or misleading claim?
Something that encourages real conversation without causing tension?
Talking things through can open the door to better understanding and respectful conversations. Image Source: Pexels / Joshua Miranda.
A new approach: The bypassing technique
Instead of trying to correct misinformation directly, a method known as the bypassing technique is gaining attention.
This approach avoids head-on confrontation.
Instead of arguing against the false claim, you share true, positive information about the same topic.
The Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) found that directly challenging misinformation—while logical—isn’t always effective.
In fact, it can cause people to double down on incorrect beliefs.
Bypassing, on the other hand, introduces new information that shifts the conversation without escalating it.
Also read: Is everything on social media true? Think again–uncover the reality with Meta’s recent reduction
How it works in real life
Say someone claims that GMOs are dangerous.
Instead of debating that point, you might respond with something like, “It’s encouraging to see how GMOs are helping reduce global hunger and improve nutrition in places that need it most.”
You’re not validating the misinformation—you’re steering the discussion to a more constructive place.
This technique was tested in six experiments, and consistently showed better results than traditional fact-checking.
In particular, it improved attitudes toward certain topics, which often face public skepticism.
Also read: HPV “cures” you can do at home? The truth behind these online “remedies” revealed!
Why bypassing works
The bypassing approach acts like verbal aikido—you don’t resist with force, but instead redirect the energy of the conversation.
It’s not about changing someone’s deeply held beliefs, but about softening their stance on certain topics or ideas.
Over time, this can lead to more open-minded discussions and reduced tension in conversations.
It’s also a respectful strategy.
Rather than making others feel judged or corrected, you invite them into a new way of thinking—one that emphasizes curiosity and shared understanding!
Also read: The truth about Medicaid cuts and the misinformation spreading online
When to use it (and when not to)
Bypassing is especially useful in personal conversations—think coffee chats, family dinners, or social gatherings—where maintaining relationships matters.
It’s not meant for correcting harmful conspiracy theories in public forums, but it works well for nudging everyday conversations in a more positive direction.
It also helps protect your own peace of mind. Instead of entering a frustrating back-and-forth, you’re offering a calm, clear alternative that may be more impactful in the long run.
Misinformation isn’t going away—but how we handle it can change.
By using tools like the bypassing technique, we can foster more thoughtful, respectful dialogue, even when we disagree.
And that’s something everyone can appreciate!
Read next: Think you can spot a liar? You might be looking in the wrong place
Have you ever used this technique? What works best for you when dealing with misinformation? Share your experiences in the comments below—we’d love to hear your approach!
