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We have a great capacity to ignore facts and only believe what we want to believe \\u2013 particularly if those facts clash with our convictions. Why is that and is it getting worse? It\\u2019s an area that is being intensely studied by psychologists, political scientists and neuroscientists.

Ruth Alexander explores why we ignore facts, even if it\\u2019s bad for us. Though she also hears how, in some circumstances, it can be good for our mental health. \\nBut our casual attitude towards facts can have serious consequences. According to experts this is happening across the world, in politics, in health and in our daily lives. This behaviour is not the preserve of any particular political group \\u2013 everyone does it when it suits them.

Presenter: Ruth Alexander\\nProducer: John Murphy

(Two heads filled with questions or exclamations. Credit: Getty Images)