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Fact-Checking Politicians

Author

Listed:
  • Mattozzi, Andrea

    (University of Bologna)

  • Nocito, Samuel

    (Sapienza University of Rome)

  • Sobbrio, Francesco

    (University of Rome Tor Vergata)

Abstract

We study how politicians respond to the fact-checking of their public statements. Our research design employs a difference-in-differences approach, complemented by a randomized field intervention conducted in collaboration with a leading fact-checking organization. We find that fact-checking discourages politicians from making factually incorrect statements, with effects lasting several weeks. At the same time, we show that fact-checking neither increases nor displaces correct statements. Politicians who are fact-checked tend to substitute incorrect statements with either no statements or unverifiable ones, suggesting that they may also respond by increasing the "ambiguity" of their language to avoid public scrutiny.

Suggested Citation

  • Mattozzi, Andrea & Nocito, Samuel & Sobbrio, Francesco, 2026. "Fact-Checking Politicians," IZA Discussion Papers 18534, IZA Network @ LISER.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18534
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • D78 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Positive Analysis of Policy Formulation and Implementation
    • D8 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

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