Can Expert Information on COVID-19 Counteract (Mis)Information Diets?

• In Event: Information Diet and Its Effects

Abstract

Misinformation about COVID-19 is widespread and potentially life-threatening. In our current media environment, is it possible for experts to counteract misinformation meaningfully? We tackle this question using a three-wave survey panel linked to detailed behavioral data on websites that respondents visit. First, we descriptively examine patterns of (mis)information consumption related to COVID-19 using our tracking data combined with NewsGuard’s verified list of sources publishing false coronavirus misinformation. Second, we exploit a fact-check experiment embedded in the second and third waves of the panel to examine how participants’ real-world information diets moderate the effect of authoritative fact-checks on attitudes and beliefs related to COVID-19. Using a machine learning approach, we also examine the role of information diets in shaping the decay of the treatments, which may be informative for future research on effect persistence. Finally, we analyze the relationship between COVID-19 information diets and downstream perceptions, attitudes and health behaviors.

Authors

• John M. Carey, Dartmouth College

• Andy Guess, Princeton University

• Brendan Nyhan, Dartmouth College

• Joseph Phillips, Pennsylvania State University

• Jason A. Reifler, University of Exeter