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Prominent misinformation interventions reduce misperceptions but increase scepticism

Author

Listed:
  • Emma Hoes

    (University of Zurich)

  • Brian Aitken

    (Huron Consulting Group)

  • Jingwen Zhang

    (University of California, Davis)

  • Tomasz Gackowski

    (University of Warsaw)

  • Magdalena Wojcieszak

    (University of California, Davis)

Abstract

Current interventions to combat misinformation, including fact-checking, media literacy tips and media coverage of misinformation, may have unintended consequences for democracy. We propose that these interventions may increase scepticism towards all information, including accurate information. Across three online survey experiments in three diverse countries (the United States, Poland and Hong Kong; total n = 6,127), we tested the negative spillover effects of existing strategies and compared them with three alternative interventions against misinformation. We examined how exposure to fact-checking, media literacy tips and media coverage of misinformation affects individuals’ perception of both factual and false information, as well as their trust in key democratic institutions. Our results show that while all interventions successfully reduce belief in false information, they also negatively impact the credibility of factual information. This highlights the need for further improved strategies that minimize the harms and maximize the benefits of interventions against misinformation.

Suggested Citation

  • Emma Hoes & Brian Aitken & Jingwen Zhang & Tomasz Gackowski & Magdalena Wojcieszak, 2024. "Prominent misinformation interventions reduce misperceptions but increase scepticism," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 8(8), pages 1545-1553, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nathum:v:8:y:2024:i:8:d:10.1038_s41562-024-01884-x
    DOI: 10.1038/s41562-024-01884-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Michael Hameleers, 2023. "The (Un)Intended Consequences of Emphasizing the Threats of Mis- and Disinformation," Media and Communication, Cogitatio Press, vol. 11(2), pages 5-14.
    2. Gordon Pennycook & Ziv Epstein & Mohsen Mosleh & Antonio A. Arechar & Dean Eckles & David G. Rand, 2021. "Shifting attention to accuracy can reduce misinformation online," Nature, Nature, vol. 592(7855), pages 590-595, April.
    3. Andrew M. Guess & Brendan Nyhan & Jason Reifler, 2020. "Exposure to untrustworthy websites in the 2016 US election," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 4(5), pages 472-480, May.
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