Boosting Facts and Busting Myths about Mythbusting

Boosting Facts and Busting Myths about Mythbusting

Stefan T. Siegel examines six common misconceptions about mythbusting, arguing that effectively countering misinformation requires more than simply correcting facts—it demands evidence-based strategies that address emotions, identities, and social influences. He advocates a balanced approach that combines mythbusting and fact-boosting, focuses on persuadable audiences, and uses tools such as prebunking, critical thinking, and media literacy to build long-term resilience against misinformation. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/boosting-facts-and-busting-myths-about-mythbusting/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/boosting-facts-and-busting-myths-about-mythbusting/] About the Author: Stefan T. Siegel is a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute for Business Education (IWP) at the University of St. Gallen (HSG). He is the author of international articles and books and has several years of work experience in research and teaching in higher education. He has been awarded prizes for his work. His current research focuses on educational theory, educational myths, professionalization of teachers, science communication, and sustainability education. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/]

The Fine Art of Baloney Detection—Sagan's Essay Three Decades Later

Massimo Pigliucci revisits Carl Sagan's classic "Baloney Detection Kit" thirty years after its publication, arguing that its core principles remain valuable but require updating to address modern challenges such as social media, misinformation, cognitive biases, and the misuse of logical fallacies. He proposes a more nuanced approach to critical thinking that emphasizes statistical literacy, expertise, media awareness, and skepticism toward corporate influence while preserving Sagan's central commitment to evidence-based reasoning. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/the-fine-art-of-baloney-detection-sagans-essay-three-decades-later/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/the-fine-art-of-baloney-detection-sagans-essay-three-decades-later/] About the Author: Massimo Pigliucci is the K.D. Irani Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New York. His books include Nonsense on Stilts: How to Tell Science from Bunk (Chicago Press) and Philosophy of Pseudoscience (coedited with Maarten Boudry, Chicago Press). More by Massimo at https://massimopigliucci.org [https://massimopigliucci.org] Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/]

Optimizing the Tools of Our Trade

Stephen Hupp previews the next issue of Skeptical Inquirer, Volume 50, no. 4, titled "Optimizing the Tools of Our Trade". Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/optimizing-the-tools-of-our-trade/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/optimizing-the-tools-of-our-trade/] About the Author: Stephen Hupp, PhD, is the executive director of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and the editor of Skeptical Inquirer. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/]

A Skeptical Approach to Flying Saucers and Aliens

Terence Hines reviews Neil DeGrasse Tyson's new book, Take Me to Your Leader. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/a-skeptical-approach-to-flying-saucers-and-aliens/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/a-skeptical-approach-to-flying-saucers-and-aliens/] About the Author: Terence Hines is professor of psychology at Pace University and adjunct professor of neurology at New York Medical College. He is author of The Psychology and Science of Pseudoscience (2025) and a CSI fellow. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/]

Houdini and Niagara Falls: How Legends Attach Themselves to Great Men

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" data-turn-id="205a0cda-5bd1-44b8-bf3b-f172b757dc3c" data-turn-id-container="205a0cda-5bd1-44b8-bf3b-f172b757dc3c" data-testid="conversation-turn-103" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user"> *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-699c9d8e-8998-8329-94d7-4ba726badcc0-3" data-turn-id-container= "request-699c9d8e-8998-8329-94d7-4ba726badcc0-3" data-testid= "conversation-turn-104" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> Robert Williams explores the enduring myth that Harry Houdini performed a daring escape at Niagara Falls and shows that, despite its plausibility, no historical evidence supports the story. The article examines how films, museums, publicity, and public expectations can combine to create legends that feel true even when they aren't. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/houdini-and-niagara-falls-how-legends-attach-themselves-to-great-men/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/houdini-and-niagara-falls-how-legends-attach-themselves-to-great-men/] About the Author: Robert Williams is a best-selling author, world record holder, and professional magician. He writes the Substack blog Examine Everything, where he takes a thoughtful, skeptical look at the evidence—or lack thereof—behind a wide range of extraordinary claims. Drawing on his background in magic and real-world experience, he reveals the tricks and techniques that drive deception, helping readers think more deeply about what they believe and why. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/]