No. 294 · Evidence · Sociology
Zombie Ideas
Some ideas keep walking long after the evidence has killed them.
In the Almanac
“The vaccine–autism myth”, 1998–2010 · “The 93 per cent rule”, 1967–today
Both stories in full, three ways to use it and where it misleads.
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Questions
What is Zombie Ideas?
Zombie Ideas are beliefs that have been refuted by evidence yet keep coming back to influence decisions, like the myth that MMR causes autism. The term was popularised by economist John Quiggin, and these ideas survive on confirmation bias, vested interests, and media echo chambers.
How do you use Zombie Ideas?
Regularly reassess your long-held assumptions and ask what evidence supports them. At work, challenge outdated strategies that persist out of habit. When you meet a familiar claim in public debate, check whether it has already been debunked and respond with clear evidence.
When does Zombie Ideas matter?
Zombie Ideas is one of the 68 mental models for evidence, the situations where you ask: Is this really true? Within that, it belongs to “Where information comes from”, alongside Bias from Incentives, Echo Chambers and Filter Bubble.
What is an example of Zombie Ideas?
Two stories show it at work: The vaccine–autism myth (1998–2010) and The 93 per cent rule (1967–today). Both are told in full in The Mental Models Daily Almanac, which has two stories for each of its 365 models.
Which mental models are related to Zombie Ideas?
Backfire Effect, Confirmation Bias and Semmelweis Reflex. Zombie Ideas itself comes from sociology.