Debunking Misinformation About Genetically Modified Food Safety on Social Media: Can Heuristic Cues Mitigate Biased Assimilation?

Focusing on debunking misinformation about genetically modified (GM) food safety in a social media context, this study examines whether source cues and social endorsement cues interact with individuals' preexisting beliefs about GM food safety in influencing misinformation correction effectiveness. Using an experimental design, this study finds that providing corrective messages can effectively counteract the influence of misinformation, especially when the message is from an expert source and receives high social endorsements. Participants evaluate misinformation and corrective messages in a biased way that confirms their preexisting beliefs about GM food safety. However, their initial misperceptions can be reduced when receiving corrective messages.

Automated summary

This study reveals that, in a social media context, corrective messages from expert sources and receiving high social endorsements can enhance the effectiveness of misinformation correction and counteract the influence of misinformation. Participants tend to evaluate information in a biased way that aligns with their preexisting beliefs about GM food safety, but their initial misperceptions can be reduced when they receive corrective messages.