Psychological Inoculation against Misinformation: Current Evidence and Future Directions

The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 700(1), P. 136 - 151

Published: March 1, 2022

Much like a viral contagion, misinformation can spread rapidly from one individual to another. Inoculation theory offers logical basis for developing psychological “vaccine” against misinformation. We discuss the origins of inoculation theory, starting with its roots in 1960s as “vaccine brainwash,” and detail major theoretical practical innovations that research has witnessed over years. Specifically, we review series randomized lab field studies show it is possible preemptively “immunize” people by preexposing them severely weakened doses techniques underlie production along ways on how spot refute them. evidence interventions developed governments social media companies help citizens around world recognize resist unwanted attempts influence mislead. conclude discussion important open questions about effectiveness interventions.

Language: Английский

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A systematic review of communication interventions for countering vaccine misinformation

Vaccine, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 41(5), P. 1018 - 1034

Published: Jan. 1, 2023

Misinformation and disinformation around vaccines has grown in recent years, exacerbated during the Covid-19 pandemic. Effective strategies for countering vaccine misinformation are crucial tackling hesitancy. We conducted a systematic review to identify describe communications-based used prevent ameliorate effect of mis- dis-information on people's attitudes behaviours surrounding vaccination (objective 1) examined their effectiveness 2). searched CINAHL, Web Science, Scopus, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo MedRxiv March 2021. The search strategy was built three themes(1) communications media; (2) misinformation; (3) vaccines. For trials addressing objective 2, risk bias assessed using Cochrane randomized tool (RoB2). Of 2000 identified records, 34 eligible studies addressed 1, 29 which also 2 (25 RCTs 4 before-and-after studies). Nine 'intervention approaches' were identified; most focused content intervention or message (debunking/correctional, informational, use disease images other 'scare tactics', humour, intensity, inclusion warnings, communicating weight evidence), while two delivery (timing source). Some strategies, such as scare tactics, appear be ineffective may increase endorsement. Communicating with certainty, rather than acknowledging uncertainty efficacy risks, found backfire. Promising approaches include weight-of-evidence scientific consensus related myths, humour incorporating warnings about encountering misinformation. Trying debunk misinformation, informational approaches, had mixed results. This identifies some promising communication Interventions should further evaluated by measuring effects uptake, distal outcomes knowledge attitudes, quasi-experimental real-life contexts.

Language: Английский

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Accuracy and social motivations shape judgements of (mis)information

Nature Human Behaviour, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 7(6), P. 892 - 903

Published: March 6, 2023

The extent to which belief in (mis)information reflects lack of knowledge versus a motivation be accurate is unclear. Here, across four experiments (n = 3,364), we motivated US participants by providing financial incentives for correct responses about the veracity true and false political news headlines. Financial improved accuracy reduced partisan bias judgements headlines 30%, primarily increasing perceived from opposing party (d 0.47). Incentivizing people identify that would liked their allies, however, decreased accuracy. Replicating prior work, conservatives were less at discerning than liberals, yet closed gap between liberals 52%. A non-financial intervention was also effective, suggesting motivation-based interventions are scalable. Altogether, these results suggest substantial portion people's motivational factors.

Language: Английский

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Countering Misinformation

European Psychologist, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 28(3), P. 189 - 205

Published: July 1, 2023

Abstract: Developing effective interventions to counter misinformation is an urgent goal, but it also presents conceptual, empirical, and practical difficulties, compounded by the fact that research in its infancy. This paper provides researchers policymakers with overview of which individual-level are likely influence spread of, susceptibility to, or impact misinformation. We review evidence for effectiveness four categories interventions: boosting (psychological inoculation, critical thinking, media information literacy); nudging (accuracy primes social norms nudges); debunking (fact-checking); automated content labeling. In each area, we assess empirical evidence, key gaps knowledge, considerations. conclude a series recommendations tech companies ensure comprehensive approach tackling

Language: Английский

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Psychological inoculation protects against the social media infodemic

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 13(1)

Published: April 8, 2023

Abstract Misinformation can have a profound detrimental impact on populations’ wellbeing. In this large UK-based online experiment (n = 2430), we assessed the performance of false tag and inoculation interventions in protecting against different forms misinformation (‘variants’). While previous experiments used perception- or intention-based outcome measures, presented participants with real-life posts social media platform simulation measured their engagement, more ecologically valid approach. Our pre-registered mixed-effects models indicated that both reduced engagement misinformation, but was most effective. However, random differences analysis revealed protection conferred by differed across posts. Moderation immunity provided is robust to variation individuals’ cognitive reflection. This study provides novel evidence general effectiveness over tags, platforms’ current Given inoculation’s effect heterogeneity, concert will likely be required for future safeguarding efforts.

Language: Английский

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Quantifying the impact of misinformation and vaccine-skeptical content on Facebook

Science, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 384(6699)

Published: May 30, 2024

Low uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine in US has been widely attributed to social media misinformation. To evaluate this claim, we introduce a framework combining lab experiments (total N = 18,725), crowdsourcing, and machine learning estimate causal effect 13,206 vaccine-related URLs on vaccination intentions Facebook users ( ≈ 233 million). We that impact unflagged content nonetheless encouraged skepticism was 46-fold greater than misinformation flagged by fact-checkers. Although reduced predicted significantly more when viewed, users’ exposure limited. In contrast, stories highlighting rare deaths after were among Facebook’s most-viewed stories. Our work emphasizes need scrutinize factually accurate but potentially misleading addition outright falsehoods.

Language: Английский

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Combating misinformation in the age of LLMs: Opportunities and challenges

AI Magazine, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 45(3), P. 354 - 368

Published: Aug. 1, 2024

Abstract Misinformation such as fake news and rumors is a serious threat for information ecosystems public trust. The emergence of large language models (LLMs) has great potential to reshape the landscape combating misinformation. Generally, LLMs can be double‐edged sword in fight. On one hand, bring promising opportunities misinformation due their profound world knowledge strong reasoning abilities. Thus, emerging question is: we utilize combat misinformation? other critical challenge that easily leveraged generate deceptive at scale. Then, another important how LLM‐generated In this paper, first systematically review history before advent LLMs. Then illustrate current efforts present an outlook these two fundamental questions, respectively. goal survey paper facilitate progress utilizing fighting call interdisciplinary from different stakeholders

Language: Английский

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Psychological Underpinnings of Misinformation Countermeasures

Journal of Media Psychology Theories Methods and Applications, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 36(6), P. 397 - 409

Published: Jan. 23, 2024

Abstract: There has been substantial scholarly effort to (a) investigate the psychological underpinnings of why individuals believe in misinformation, and (b) develop interventions that hamper their acceptance spread. However, there is a lack systematic integration these two research lines. We conducted scoping review empirically tested (N = 176) counteract misinformation. developed an intervention map analyzed boosting, inoculation, identity management, nudging, fact-checking as well various subdimensions. further examined how are theoretically derived from most prominent accounts for misinformation susceptibility: classical motivated reasoning. find majority studies interventions, poorly linked basic theory not geared towards reducing Based on this, we outline future avenues effective countermeasures against

Language: Английский

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Mapping automatic social media information disorder. The role of bots and AI in spreading misleading information in society

PLoS ONE, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 19(5), P. e0303183 - e0303183

Published: May 31, 2024

This paper presents an analysis on information disorder in social media platforms. The study employed methods such as Natural Language Processing, Topic Modeling, and Knowledge Graph building to gain new insights into the phenomenon of fake news its impact critical thinking knowledge management. focused four research questions: 1) distribution misinformation, disinformation, malinformation across different platforms; 2) recurring themes their visibility; 3) role artificial intelligence authoritative and/or spreader agent; 4) strategies for combating disorder. AI was highlighted, both a tool fact-checking truthiness identification bots, potential amplifier false narratives. Strategies proposed include improving digital literacy skills promoting among users.

Language: Английский

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From Medieval Scapegoating to Modern Conspiracy Theories in Healthcare

Published: Feb. 20, 2025

The popularization of science, while essential for making complex discoveries accessible to the public, carries significant risks, particularly in healthcare where misinformation can lead harmful behaviors and even lethal outcomes. This commentary examines dual nature science communication, highlighting its potential foster public engagement scientific literacy also discussing dangers oversimplification sensationalism. Historical contemporary case studies, such as misrepresentation ivermectin during COVID-19 pandemic enduring "5-Second Rule" myth, illustrate how distorted findings erode trust institutions fuel conspiracy theories. digital age exacerbates these issues, with algorithms social media amplifying at an unprecedented scale. discussion emphasizes heightened stakes medical directly endanger lives. It calls a balanced approach popularization, advocating transparency, interdisciplinary collaboration, education combat misinformation. extends emerging role artificial intelligence healthcare, warning against inflated claims risks overreliance on unverified AI tools. Ultimately, this underscores need systemic reforms ensure that communication prioritizes accuracy, fosters critical thinking, builds resilience spread pseudoscience disinformation.

Language: Английский

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