A 'credulist' is an individual who readily believes things, especially on little evidence. They tend to be overly trusting, easily fooled, and prone to accepting information without critical evaluation or skepticism. This predisposition can stem from naiveté, a lack of experience, or a desire to believe the best in others. Credulists often prioritize faith and intuition over factual analysis and are susceptible to manipulation, misinformation, and scams. They can be seen as the opposite of a skeptic. This word emphasizes a tendency towards believing, not necessarily the act of believing itself. It suggests a character trait of easily accepting claims without question.
Credulist meaning with examples
- The online forum was full of credulists who eagerly shared unsubstantiated conspiracy theories, their eagerness to believe anything making them easy targets for disinformation campaigns. They readily accepted narratives without fact-checking. The absence of critical thinking fueled the spread of falsehoods. This demonstrates how easily credulists can be exploited.
- A talented con artist thrived in her community, exploiting the credulists who were always willing to lend a helping hand without proper investigation of how their money would be used. Their basic goodness blinded them to the true nature of the swindle. Their inherent trust in people made them an easy target.
- The marketing strategy was specifically aimed at credulists, who were promised miraculous results with minimal effort. They accepted the outlandish claims presented in the advertisement without researching if the advertised product had any real value. The company's success hinged on their audience's vulnerability.
- Despite warnings from trusted friends and experts, the credulist continued to invest in the Ponzi scheme, their faith in the 'opportunity' unshakeable. They dismissed the advice as negativity, choosing to believe in the promises of quick riches despite evidence showing the deal was bogus. This demonstrates a lack of common sense.