Confirmation bias shapes pain. In a controlled study, people physically rated discomfort differently based on fictional peer ratings they saw beforehand. The actual stimulus was identical. The reported experience was not. The brain adjusted the sensation to match the expectation.

What makes this finding land differently than the usual cognitive bias conversation is that researchers could measure it in real time. When expectations were confirmed, people updated their beliefs. When evidence contradicted what they were told, they discarded it quietly and moved on. It's not a flaw in a few people. It ran across the whole study, with the most empathetic participants showing the strongest social influence effect.

The researchers aren't done. Next they want to know whether confirmation bias hits equally hard across health information, news, and pain. The answer will matter for everyone trying to figure out what to actually believe right now.

Topics: confirmation bias, social influence brain, cognitive bias daily life, online reviews psychology, neuroscience

GUEST: Dr. Samantha Yammine | http://samanthayammine.com

Originally aired on 2026-03-18

Confirmation bias shapes pain. In a controlled study, people physically rated discomfort differently based on fictional peer ratings they saw beforehand. The actual stimulus was identical. The reported experience was not. The brain adjusted the sensation to match the expectation.
What makes this finding land differently than the usual cognitive bias conversation is that researchers could measure it in real time. When expectations were confirmed, people updated their beliefs. When evidence contradicted what they were told, they discarded it quietly and moved on. It's not a flaw in a few people. It ran across the whole study, with the most empathetic participants showing the strongest social influence effect.
The researchers aren't done. Next they want to know whether confirmation bias hits equally hard across health information, news, and pain. The answer will matter for everyone trying to figure out what to actually believe right now.
Topics: confirmation bias, social influence brain, cognitive bias daily life, online reviews psychology, neuroscience
GUEST: Dr. Samantha Yammine |<a href="http://samanthayammine.com"> http://samanthayammine.com</a>
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-03-18

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.