Benefits and Pitfalls of Debunking Interventions to Counter mRNA Vaccination Misinformation During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Misinformation about mRNA vaccination is a barrier in the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, authorities often rely on text-based refutations as a countermeasure. In two experiments (N = 2,444), text-based refutations effectively reduced the belief in misinformation and immunized participants against the impact of a misleading social media post. However, a follow-up (N = 817) questions the longevity of these debunking and prebunking effects. Moreover, the studies reveal potential pitfalls by showing a row of unintended effects of the refutations (lacking effect on intentions, backfire-effects among religious groups, and biased judgments when omitting information about vaccine side effects).

Automated summary

Misinformation about mRNA vaccines is hindering the global fight against COVID-19. Text-based refutations have been used as a countermeasure, effectively reducing belief in misinformation. However, a follow-up study questions the long-lasting effects of these debunking efforts and highlights unintended consequences such as limited impact on intentions, backfire effects among religious groups, and biased judgments due to omission of vaccine side effects.