Illusory Truth Effect
Repetition makes a statement feel true; the effect works on false statements, on people who know better, and on claims from sources they distrust. Every slogan, talking point and 'as you know' exploits it.
An everyday example
A vendor's 'industry-leading uptime' feeling like a fact by the third meeting, with no number ever shown.
What it can cost you
Treating familiarity as verification; a repeated claim slowly becoming your own belief.
Warning signs
- It sounds right because it sounds familiar.
- I cannot name where I learned it.
One thing to do
When a claim feels obviously true, ask when you checked it; if the answer is 'never, I've just heard it a lot', check now.
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