The Psychology of Political Misinformation, Using Poison to Dye Clothes

Before the 19th century, most clothing dyes were natural, but the mid-1900s popularized chemical dyes with more vibrant colors — sometimes with a deadly effect. Philadelphia was at the center of it all – giving birth to an entire chemical industry. WHYY News’ Arts and Culture reporter Peter Crimmins looks into the history of toxic dyes in our region.

The spread of political misinformation is an epidemic, a trend especially concerning as we enter a major election year. We’ll find out why people have become so likely to accept lies as truth, and how those in positions of power exploit that weakness. Our guest is University of Delaware professor Dannagal G. Young, author of Wrong: How Media, Politics, and Identity Drive Our Appetite for Misinformation.