This panel discussion, hosted by the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Science and moderated by Reged Ahmad (Guardian Australia, Full Story podcast), explored the psychology behind polarisation and misinformation — examining how biases, group identities and media algorithms shape our beliefs — while identifying commonalities and possible solutions.

Panelists were Professor Fiona White (School of Psychology, Director of the SUPIR Lab, specialising in reducing stigma and prejudice), Professor Micah Goldwater (School of Psychology, focusing on countering misinformation and improving critical thinking), and Dr Francesco Bailo (School of Social and Political Sciences, examining political engagement on social media).