No one is immune to misinformation: An investigation of misinformation sharing by subscribers to a fact-checking newsletter

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255702
• Publication Date: 2021-08-10T17:34:52Z
• Authors: Lauren L. Saling; Devi Mallal; Falk Scholer; Russell Skelton; Damiano Spina
• Keywords: Misinformation; Social distance; Pandemic

Like other disease outbreaks, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to rapid generation and dissemination of misinformation fake news. We investigated whether subscribers a fact checking newsletter (n = 1397) were willing share possible misinformation, predictors sharing are same as for general samples. also willingness have vaccine found that although acceptance was high on average, it decreased function lower belief in science higher conspiracy mentality. 24% participants had shared this predicted by science. samples, our typically motivated due interest information, or seek second opinion about claim veracity. However, even if information is good faith not purpose deceiving misleading others, spread nevertheless highly problematic. Exposure engenders faulty beliefs others undermines efforts curtail reducing adherence social distancing measures increasing hesitancy.