Disinformation: Why some people cling to it (and how to help them maybe loosen that grip)

Summary

This week’s total solar eclipse was really spectacular – even with the cloudy skies. It turns out even a beautiful, natural phenomenon like the eclipse is not immune from conspiracy theories and disinformation. Why are some people eager to embrace information that is wrong – and sometimes really reluctant to let it go? KUT’s Jennifer Stayton put that question recently over Zoom to Central Texas neuropsychotherapist Bella J. Rockman, MA, LPC, LCDC-i. She says a mix of factors is at play- especially when it comes to politics:

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January 10, 2025

KUT Afternoon Newscast for January 10, 2025

Central Texas top stories for January 10, 2025. Austin’s cold weather shelter response has improved. Groups in the San Marcos area are working to shelter unhoused residents during this week’s cold snap. Texas plays Ohio State tonight in the Cotton Bowl for a spot in this year’s college football national championship game. The Austin Animal […]

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January 10, 2025

KUT Morning Newscast for January 10, 2025

Central Texas top stories for January 10, 2025. City staff and unhoused Austinites say recent changes to the cold weather shelters have been a success. A group in the San Marcos area is helping unhoused people during this cold weather snap. Texas plays Ohio State tonight at the Cotton Bowl.

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January 9, 2025

KUT Afternoon Newscast for January 9, 2025

Central Texas top stories for January 9, 2025. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect in the Hill Country. Travis County has a new Tax Assessor-Collector and Voter Registrar. CapMetro introduces tap-to-pay. Former Army Sergeant Daniel Perry is back in court today.

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January 9, 2025

KUT Morning Newscast for January 9, 2025

Central Texas top stories for January 9, 2025. Daniel Perry, who shot a Black Lives Matter protester, is back in court today. Travis County has a new Tax Assessor-Collector and Voter Registrar, here’s what it means.

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January 8, 2025

KUT Afternoon Newscast for January 8, 2025

Central Texas top stories for January 8, 2025. Temperatures are expected to stay above freezing tonight and tomorrow. The Taylor Center for Assistance and Navigation is helping people experiencing homelessness find food and shelter during this week’s cold snap. Leander is asking residents to conserve water as they prepare to shut down its main water […]

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January 8, 2025

KUT Morning Newscast for January 8, 2025

Temperatures are forecast to be near freezing some nights of this week, here’s how one local nonprofit is trying to help the area’s homeless population on these cold days. Travis County Community Centers will serve as warming centers. UT Austin released an investigative report into why a patio ceiling collapsed on campus collapsed recently. If […]

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January 7, 2025

KUT Afternoon Newscast for January 7, 2025

Central Texas top stories for January 7, 2025. How to prepare your car for the cold. How to stay informed when the weather gets severe. Austin Pets Alive! is asking people to foster dogs or cats during this week’s cold snap. UT Austin President Jay Hartzell is leaving in June to lead Southern Methodist University. […]

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January 7, 2025

KUT Morning Newscast for January 7, 2025

Central Texas top stories for January 7, 2025. Austin is still struggling to staff its police department. Rents continue to fall in the Austin area. Georgetown is finding new sources of water to meet the demand that comes with its rapid growth.

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