Humans are social creatures, and we tend to take the opinions of those around us seriously. The reviews of people we don't even know can influence our decision to purchase a product, eat at a particular restaurant, and even determine how we do our job.

This week, Dr. Brandon Van Der Heide joins us to discuss how Social Proof influences our decision-making and how this can be hijacked by bad actors. This episode meets at the intersection of Communication, Marketing, Cybercrime, and Medicine.

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Dr. Brandon Van Der Heide is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at Michigan State University.

Learn more about Dr. Van Der Heide: https://comartsci.msu.edu/our-people/brandon-van-der-heide

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Interested in learning more about the MSU Center for Cybercrime Investigation & Training? Visit our website: www.cybertraining.msu.edu

Advance your career with a Masters Degree in Cybercrime and Digital Investigation from the MSU School of Criminal Justice: https://online.cj.msu.edu/ms-masters-cybercrime-digital-investigation

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Crossing the Firewall is hosted by Dr. Tom Holt, Dr. Rachel McNealey, and Dr. Taylor Fisher. Edited by JJ Thomas.

All views and opinions expressed are the views of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of their home institutions or places of work. All information provided in this podcast should not be taken as business, personal, financial, medical, or legal advice.