To a point, but part of truth is through perception and experience.

Now if you mean fact... different critter. Those are cold and hard and often uncomfortable. I think most people far more often prefer experience and perception over cold, hard uncomfortable facts.

People are complicated. Most want to believe that people over all are not that bad and in order to dislike someone they have to pin some reason to that dislike. Believing a lie or twisting facts to fit their view so they don't feel guilty for hating someone seems to be very commonplace, likely because it's easy.

I can't say it's new. Countries crank up the propaganda mill when building up opposition to whoever they are at war with. The rumors start flying and pretty soon they have demonized average, fairly normal people who simply have only a slightly different opinion or lifestyle... harmless, just different.

Most people prefer to be comfortable rather than correct.

Only the most intelligent and caring of the future. A big percent of the population is nuts and loves its nut leaders.

It's funny, the latest Thinking Atheist podcast dealt with this basic premise.

You should research on confirmation bias which is this exact issue; This report supports my beliefs, therefore it must be credible and true.

Comforting lies are always preferred over the inconvenient truth.

Isn't that basic human nature?
It's the same in science..Big Pharm creates a dangerous synthetic drug, then pays researchers to test it.
The researchers know who's paying the bills, so if their sponsor sells hammers, they will find nails.

Medical studies are almost always bogus [nyp.st] via @nypost

Most people can't handle the truth

People are WAY more rigid in their beliefs than we thought. Self righteousness trumps honesty.

I’ve had that with the fb posts. Opening your mouth is a great way to clear out your friend list.