Misinformation and disinformation pose significant threats to democracy, having the potential to divide communities and complicate individuals’ ability to make informed choices in various aspects of life, including voting, shopping, and healthcare.
Briony Swire-Thompson, the director of the Psychology of Misinformation Lab at Northeastern University, underscores that no one is immune. "We just don’t have the time, the cognitive resources, or even the motivation to literally fact-check every piece of information that comes our way," she explains.
Research indicates that people trust information more when it emanates from familiar sources or cultural contexts. Therefore, engaging in conversations with loved ones can have a substantial impact. This approach shifts the focus to connection rather than correction.
The following are six strategies to address misinformation:
Use the Terms "Rumor" or "Misleading Content":
Sarah Nguyễn, a doctoral candidate at the University of Washington, suggests using terms like “rumor” or “misleading content” instead of “misinformation” or “disinformation,” which tend to provoke negative reactions. Nguyễn leads workshops in the Vietnamese community in Seattle on managing problematic information and deepfakes, avoiding these politicized terms.- Understand Why Your Loved One Believes the Misleading Content:
Both Nguyễn and Rachel Kuo, the research facilitator of the Asian American Disinformation Table, emphasize putting aside intervention initially. Recognizing the individual’s life experiences that shape their engagement with information is crucial. Conversations can start with personal history before addressing current beliefs and actions.
Kuo recommends asking questions about family history, childhood memories, and recent engagements to build a foundation for discussing current events and beliefs.
Discuss Trustworthy Sources:
According to Swire-Thompson, discussing sources is effective for debunking misinformation. By comparing the evidence from both sides, individuals can engage in a more meaningful conversation about trust in sources. Highlighting a source’s lack of expertise can discredit dubious claims effectively.Focus on Addressing Incorrect Information:
The goal is not to change core beliefs but to maintain a trusting and ongoing dialogue. For political misinformation, Swire-Thompson’s research suggests that correcting misinformation does not significantly impact trust in a source or voting behavior. Instead, the discussion should center on specific pieces of misleading information.- Provide Detailed Fact-Checks:
Swire-Thompson advises providing detailed explanations when correcting misinformation, including a factual alternative. Research shows that detailed corrections are more effective than brief statements.
For instance, addressing concerns about mail-in voting fraud can be countered with data from the Brennan Center for Justice, showing the rarity of such fraud and the historical security measures in place since the Civil War.
- Manage Expectations About Change:
Change rarely occurs after a single conversation. If discussions become unproductive, it’s okay to step back, according to Kuo and Swire-Thompson. Maintaining relationships might sometimes mean agreeing to disagree but readdressing the topic later can help reinforce corrections.
Researchers have identified a phenomenon called “belief regression,” where beliefs revert over time to pre-correction levels. Continuous reinforcement of accurate information is crucial for long-term impact, as emphasized by Nguyễn.
This approach to managing misinformation respects the gradual nature of belief changes and underscores the importance of patient and continuous dialogue to build trust and understanding.
This report was edited by Brett Neely, with visual editing by Beck Harlan. For further inquiries, contact LifeKit@npr.org. The Life Kit podcast is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, with an accompanying newsletter.
