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Not doomed: : Examining the path from misinformation exposure to verification and correction in the context of COVID-19 pandemic

Author:

Xizhu XiaoAuthors Info & Claims

Volume 74, Issue C

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tele.2022.101890

Published: 01 November 2022 Publication History

Highlights

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Repetitive debunking measures are imperative to combat misinformation, but misperceptions may interfere with the effectiveness.

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Misinformation exposure on social media had positive effects on verification.

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Misinformation exposure on social media is associated with lower misperceptions.

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Misinformation exposure via online news and interpersonal sources is concerning.

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Interventions should focus on the younger, conservative and ethnic minorities.

Abstract

Misinformation exposure has attracted growing scholarly attention. While much research highlights misinformation exposure’s negative impacts, this study argues that its positive effects should also be noted. By using a more precise measurement of misinformation exposure and a path model, this study outlines a path from misinformation exposure to anti-misinformation behaviors, partially mediated by misperceptions in the context of COVID-19. Findings indicate that exposure to popular but widely-denounced COVID-19 misinformation via social media had positive effects on verification intention. Frequent exposure to misinformation on social media is associated with lower misperceptions, suggesting a healthy dose of skepticism toward the platform and low internalization of misinformation. Special attention, however, needs to be paid to online news websites and personal contacts as misinformation sources. More tailored interventions and communication strategies to reduce misperceptions and increase media-literate behaviors are needed for younger, conservative, and ethnic minority individuals. Theoretical and practical implications are further discussed.

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Index Terms

Not doomed: Examining the path from misinformation exposure to verification and correction in the context of COVID-19 pandemic
1. Applied computing
  1. Law, social and behavioral sciences
2. Human-centered computing
  1. Human computer interaction (HCI)

Index terms have been assigned to the content through auto-classification.

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cover image Telematics and Informatics

Telematics and Informatics Volume 74, Issue C

Nov 2022

108 pages

ISSN:0736-5853

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Elsevier Ltd.

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Pergamon Press, Inc.

United States

Publication History

Published: 01 November 2022

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