deniers

Deniers are individuals who refuse to accept a conclusion that is supported by substantial evidence or by widely accepted consensus. In public discourse, the label is often applied to people who reject well-established scientific findings, historical events, or policy-relevant claims, despite what experts and data indicate.

Denial is distinct from healthy skepticism. It is typically characterized by persistent dismissal of evidence, reliance on selective data, appeal to conspiracy theories, or alignment with ideological identities. Denial can be personal, political, or organizational and may be reinforced by social networks, media ecosystems, and economic interests.

Psychologists describe denial as a coping mechanism or a byproduct of motivated reasoning, in which people protect cherished beliefs or identities from threats. The term "manufactured doubt" has been used to describe deliberate attempts to sow uncertainty and delay action by questioning the credibility of evidence.

Common domains include climate change denial, Holocaust denial, and vaccine denial, among others. Holocaust denial is widely rejected by scholars and is illegal in several countries due to its antisemitic content. Climate and vaccine denial have been associated with public health and policy risks, and with distrust in scientific institutions.

Responses emphasize education, transparent data sharing, clear communication of uncertainty, and media literacy. Researchers and policymakers warn that denial can hinder effective policy, erode trust, and marginalize affected communities. Neutral, evidence-based dialogue is typically recommended to address denial.