Reducing the influence of false information
Fact-checking alone is a limited solution for correcting false political information
Researchers and policymakers are interested in ways of reducing the influence of false information. One prominent method is 'fact-checking,' providing information to correct the false belief. A meta-analysis of 65 studies found that fact-checking was mildly effective but became more potent when paired with a coherent explanation for how and why the false rumor started. The meta-analysis cited two caveats: (1) effects were smaller for political topics, and (2) virtually all the studies in the meta-analysis were from the 'Global North.' To fill those gaps, researchers recently tested the effects of fact-checking during a Brazilian election and found that fact-checking was ineffective in that context. This research suggests that fact-checking alone is not enough to correct false political information and that education, access to media, and a tradition of fact-checking may influence the effectiveness of corrective information.
Inoculation can be an effective strategy to reduce the influence of false information
Along with fact-checking, another prominent method to reduce beliefs in false information is to ‘inoculate’ citizens against false information through awareness and media literacy campaigns. Inoculation seeks to educate and empower citizens to critically engage with news content. During a Brazilian election, researchers partnered with the largest and most influential newspaper in Brazil to provide randomly selected citizens with a free newspaper subscription and a list of eight steps for spotting fake news. After two weeks, the researchers compared those ‘treated’ citizens to ‘control’ citizens who had not received the subscription or the strategies for spotting fake news. The treatment reduced acceptance of fake news without reducing acceptance of true news or trust in the media. This research provides evidence that awareness and media literacy campaigns can reduce people’s belief in false information.
Do you have a study we should share for a future Facty Friday? Send an email to drg.el@usaid.gov!”