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AI Agency in Fact-Checking: Role-Based Machine Heuristics and Publics’ Conspiratorial Orientation

Author

Listed:
  • Duo Lan

    (School of Digital Media and Design Arts, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, China)

  • Yicheng Zhu

    (School of Journalism and Communication, Beijing Normal University, China)

  • Meiyu Liu

    (School of Journalism and Communication, Beijing Normal University, China)

  • Chuge He

    (School of Journalism and Communication, Beijing Normal University, China)

Abstract

With a focus on role-based (fact-checker and author) agencies and machine heuristics conceptualized by the modality, agency, interactivity, and navigability model, this study examines the comparative effect of AI (vs. human) agencies in debunking conspiracy theory news. Using a 2x2 online experiment with 506 participants, the study explores how conspiratorial orientation influences different role-based AI agencies’ relationships with machine heuristics, and therefore news credibility perception and corrective action intentions. Results reveal that AI (vs. human) role-based agencies have separate but also interaction effects on heuristic activation. Moreover, potentially because conspiratorial orientation originates from skepticism towards humans, AI fact-checkers can be associated with higher corrective action intention for individuals with high conspiratorial orientation by activating AI fact-checker’s positive machine heuristics.

Suggested Citation

  • Duo Lan & Yicheng Zhu & Meiyu Liu & Chuge He, 2025. "AI Agency in Fact-Checking: Role-Based Machine Heuristics and Publics’ Conspiratorial Orientation," Media and Communication, Cogitatio Press, vol. 13.
    • Handle: RePEc:cog:meanco:v13:y:2025:a:9516
    DOI: 10.17645/mac.9516
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