When you hear the same story everywhere you look and listen, you assume it must be true. And the more people believe it's true, the more likely they are to repeat it, and thus the more likely you are to hear it. This is how inaccurate information can create a bandwagon effect, leading quickly to a broad, but mistaken, consensus.
In Barry Schwartz's book, "The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less," he discusses the phenomenon where widely repeated stories or beliefs are often assumed to be true simply because they are prevalent. When a narrative gains traction and is repeatedly echoed by others, it has a persuasive power that influences public perception and acceptance. This leads individuals to adopt these beliefs without questioning their accuracy.
This process can result in a bandwagon effect, where a consensus forms around ideas or information that may actually be incorrect. As more people buy into the assumption that these stories are true, they further propagate the misinformation, reinforcing its validity in the eyes of the public. Schwartz highlights the dangers of this cycle, illustrating how easily inaccurate information can spread and become widely accepted.
