AI Insight
This experimental study with 660 Chinese university students examined whether exposure to fact-checking information on social media corrects false beliefs about COVID-19. The results showed that fact-checking significantly reduced belief in COVID-19 fake news, especially among participants who initially believed the misinformation or were uncertain about it. The effectiveness of fact-checking was enhanced when participants perceived fake news as having a negative impact on themselves personally.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that fact-checking interventions should be tailored to emphasize personal relevance and potential harm to increase their effectiveness. This research provides evidence from a non-Western context, demonstrating that cultural and individual perception factors play important roles in how people respond to corrective information about misinformation.
Understand the Science
ObjectiveTo examine whether fact-checking COVID-19 fake news on social media corrects false beliefs among Chinese youths, and identifies factors influencing its effectiveness.MethodsWe conducted an experiment with 660 Chinese university students to compare the impact of exposure and no exposure to fact-checking on correcting misconceptions in the context of fake COVID-19 news.ResultsFact-checking significantly reduced belief in fake COVID-19 news among Chinese youths, particularly among those who initially believed it or were uncertain. In the absence of fact-checking, beliefs remained unchanged. Young people who perceived the negative impact of fake news on themselves were more receptive to fact-checking, enhancing its effectiveness.ConclusionThis study highlights the need to tailor fact-checking strategies to audience perceptions, showing that addressing perceived harm on themselves from fake news can boost acceptance of corrections. By examining fact-checking in a non-Western context, it deepens understanding of how cultural and situational factors influence the effectiveness of combating fake news.