Believing misinformation is a “win” for some people, even when proven false

The article discusses the phenomenon of people continuing to believe misinformation even after it has been proven false. It suggests that for some, the "win" in believing misinformation is not about being correct, but about maintaining independence from outside influence. The article cites research indicating that people often value their autonomy and sense of control more than being factually accurate. This can lead them to reject corrections or evidence that contradicts their initial beliefs, as admitting they were wrong would undermine their perceived independence. The article suggests that this dynamic is particularly prevalent in political and ideological contexts, where people may be motivated to defend their worldviews and affiliations rather than embrace new information. Overall, the article highlights the complex psychological factors that can drive the persistence of misinformation, even in the face of contradictory evidence.