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van der Linden S, Roozenbeek J. "Inoculation" to Resist Misinformation. JAMA 2024; 331:1961-1962. [PMID: 38753337 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2024.5026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
This JAMA Insights in the Communicating Medicine series explores the concept of “prebunking,” a psychological inoculation technique that could help prevent the spread of misinformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander van der Linden
- Department of Psychology, School of Biology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jon Roozenbeek
- Department of Psychology, School of Biology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of War Studies, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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Heley K, Chou WYS, D'Angelo H, Senft Everson N, Muro A, Rohde JA, Gaysynsky A. Mitigating Health and Science Misinformation: A Scoping Review of Literature from 2017 to 2022. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38534199 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2024.2332817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Literature on how to address misinformation has rapidly expanded in recent years. The aim of this scoping review was to synthesize the growing published literature on health and science misinformation mitigation interventions. English-language articles published from January 2017 to July 2022 were included. After title/abstract screening, 115 publications (148 empirical studies) met inclusion criteria and were coded for sample characteristics, topics, mitigation strategies, research methods, outcomes, and intervention efficacy. A marked increase in misinformation mitigation research was observed in 2020-2022. COVID-19, vaccines, and climate change were the most frequently addressed topics. Most studies used general population samples recruited online; few focused on populations most vulnerable to misinformation. Most studies assessed cognitive outcomes (e.g., knowledge), with fewer assessing health behavior, communication behavior, or skills. Correction (k = 97) was the most used misinformation mitigation strategy, followed by education and other literacy initiatives (k = 39) and prebunking/inoculation (k = 24). Intervention efficacy varied, with 76 studies reporting positive, 17 reporting null, and 68 reporting mixed results. Most misinformation mitigation interventions were limited to short-term online experiments focused on improving cognitive outcomes. Priority research areas going forward include expanding and diversifying study samples, scaling interventions, conducting longitudinal observations, and focusing on communities susceptible to misinformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Heley
- Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch, Behavioral Research Program, National Cancer Institute
| | - Wen-Ying Sylvia Chou
- Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch, Behavioral Research Program, National Cancer Institute
| | - Heather D'Angelo
- Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch, Behavioral Research Program, National Cancer Institute
| | - Nicole Senft Everson
- Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch, Behavioral Research Program, National Cancer Institute
| | - Abigail Muro
- Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch, Behavioral Research Program, National Cancer Institute
| | - Jacob A Rohde
- Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch, Behavioral Research Program, National Cancer Institute
| | - Anna Gaysynsky
- Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch, Behavioral Research Program, National Cancer Institute
- ICF Next, ICF
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Brody C, Szieff J, Abu-Alrub B. "If it wasn't forced upon me, I would have given it a second thought": Understanding COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in an outlier county in the Bay Area, California. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290469. [PMID: 38127963 PMCID: PMC10735040 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
While the San Francisco Bay Area counties rank very low in vaccine hesitancy and high in vaccination rates when compared to national numbers, Solano County has the most residents who are hesitant (6.3%) and the least who are fully vaccinated (51.6%) among Bay Area counties, according to the CDC. No studies to date have been able to provide the in-depth, localized information that would inform county-level public health interventions. This study aims to explore reasons and consequences for remaining unvaccinated in Solano County. Using a qualitative in-depth interview approach, we conducted 32 interviews with unvaccinated adults from Solano County. We used a grounded theory approach to our analysis. Using the socio-ecological model as a framework, we found that reasons for not getting vaccinated were primarily structural (mistrust of public information) and individual (bodily autonomy, personal choice) while consequences were primarily interpersonal (discrimination and stigma from friends, family, and employers). An overarching theme was that the vaccine rollout and messaging felt like an encroachment on personal choice and the feeling of being forced created more mistrust. Participants reported feeling like their decisions made them minorities among their colleagues, friends and family and that they were not persuaded by groupthink or by their relationships. Future public health responses to epidemics and pandemics might consider if a vaccine mandate is the best approach for reaching all county residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carinne Brody
- Public Health Program, College of Education and Health Sciences, Touro University California, Vallejo, California, United States of America
| | - Julian Szieff
- Public Health Program, College of Education and Health Sciences, Touro University California, Vallejo, California, United States of America
| | - Bilal Abu-Alrub
- Public Health Program, College of Education and Health Sciences, Touro University California, Vallejo, California, United States of America
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Zhu Z, Liu S, Zhang R. Examining the Persuasive Effects of Health Communication in Short Videos: Systematic Review. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e48508. [PMID: 37831488 PMCID: PMC10612001 DOI: 10.2196/48508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ubiquity of short videos has demonstrated vast potential for health communication. An expansion of research has examined the persuasive effect of health communication in short videos, yet a synthesis of the research is lacking. OBJECTIVE This paper aims to provide an overview of the literature by examining the persuasive effect of health communication in short videos, offering guidance for researchers and practitioners. In particular, it seeks to address 4 key research questions: What are the characteristics of short videos, samples, and research designs in short video-based health communication literature? What theories underpin the short video-based health communication literature? What are the persuasive effects of health communication in short videos? and What directions should future research in this area take? METHODS Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, an electronic search of 10 databases up to March 10, 2023, generated 4118 results. After the full-text screening, 18 articles met the eligibility criteria. RESULTS The current research lacks a uniform definition of short videos, demonstrates sample biases in location and education, and adopts limited methodologies. Most studies in this synthesis are theoretically grounded or use theoretical concepts, which are predominantly well examined in persuasion research. Moreover, relevant topics and suitable themes are effective in persuasive health communication outcomes, whereas the impact of diverse narrative techniques remains ambiguous. CONCLUSIONS We recommend that future research extends the definition of short videos beyond time constraints and explores non-Western and less-educated populations. In addition, researchers should consider diverse methods to provide a more comprehensive examination and investigate the impact of audience targeting and narrative techniques in short video health communication. Finally, investigating how the unique aspects of short videos interact with or challenge traditional persuasion theories is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zicheng Zhu
- Department of Communications and New Media, Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shiyu Liu
- Global Health Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xian, China
| | - Renwen Zhang
- Department of Communications and New Media, Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Sundelson AE, Jamison AM, Huhn N, Pasquino SL, Sell TK. Fighting the infodemic: the 4 i Framework for Advancing Communication and Trust. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1662. [PMID: 37644563 PMCID: PMC10466697 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16612-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The proliferation of false and misleading health claims poses a major threat to public health. This ongoing "infodemic" has prompted numerous organizations to develop tools and approaches to manage the spread of falsehoods and communicate more effectively in an environment of mistrust and misleading information. However, these tools and approaches have not been systematically characterized, limiting their utility. This analysis provides a characterization of the current ecosystem of infodemic management strategies, allowing public health practitioners, communicators, researchers, and policy makers to gain an understanding of the tools at their disposal. METHODS A multi-pronged search strategy was used to identify tools and approaches for combatting health-related misinformation and disinformation. The search strategy included a scoping review of academic literature; a review of gray literature from organizations involved in public health communications and misinformation/disinformation management; and a review of policies and infodemic management approaches from all U.S. state health departments and select local health departments. A team of annotators labelled the main feature(s) of each tool or approach using an iteratively developed list of tags. RESULTS We identified over 350 infodemic management tools and approaches. We introduce the 4 i Framework for Advancing Communication and Trust (4 i FACT), a modified social-ecological model, to characterize different levels of infodemic intervention: informational, individual, interpersonal, and institutional. Information-level strategies included those designed to amplify factual information, fill information voids, debunk false information, track circulating information, and verify, detect, or rate the credibility of information. Individual-level strategies included those designed to enhance information literacy and prebunking/inoculation tools. Strategies at the interpersonal/community level included resources for public health communicators and community engagement approaches. Institutional and structural approaches included resources for journalists and fact checkers, tools for managing academic/scientific literature, resources for infodemic researchers/research, resources for infodemic managers, social media regulation, and policy/legislation. CONCLUSIONS The 4 i FACT provides a useful way to characterize the current ecosystem of infodemic management strategies. Recognizing the complex and multifaceted nature of the ongoing infodemic, efforts should be taken to utilize and integrate strategies across all four levels of the modified social-ecological model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne E Sundelson
- Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, 700 E. Pratt Street, Suite 900, Baltimore, MD, 21202, USA.
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Room E7527, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Amelia M Jamison
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Noelle Huhn
- Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, 700 E. Pratt Street, Suite 900, Baltimore, MD, 21202, USA
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Room E7527, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Sarah-Louise Pasquino
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Tara Kirk Sell
- Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, 700 E. Pratt Street, Suite 900, Baltimore, MD, 21202, USA
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Room E7527, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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Dubé E, Trottier ME, Gagnon D, Bettinger JA, Greyson D, Graham J, MacDonald NE, MacDonald SE, Meyer SB, Witteman HO, Driedger SM. Exploring parents' views of the use of narratives to promote childhood vaccination online. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284107. [PMID: 37467300 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Negative information about vaccines that spreads online may contribute to parents' vaccine hesitancy or refusal. Studies have shown that false claims about vaccines that use emotive personal narratives are more likely to be shared and engaged with on social media than factual evidence-based public health messages. The aim of this study was to explore parents' views regarding the use of positive narratives to promote childhood vaccination. METHODS We identified three ∼4-minute video narratives from social media that counter frequent parental concerns about childhood vaccination: parents and informed decision-making (online misinformation about vaccines); a paediatrician's clinical experience with vaccine-preventable diseases (prevention of still existing diseases); and a mother's experience with vaccine-preventable disease (risks of the disease). Focus group discussions were held with parents of children aged 0 to 5 years to assess their views on these three narratives and their general opinion on the use of narratives as a vaccine promotion intervention. RESULTS Four focus groups discussions were virtually held with 15 parents in December 2021. In general, parents trusted both health care provider's and parent's narratives, but participants identified more with stories having a parent as the main character. Both narratives featuring personal stories with vaccine-preventable diseases were preferred by parents, while the story about informed decision-making was perceived as less influential. Parents expressed the need for reliable and nuanced information about vaccines and diseases and felt that a short video format featuring a story was an efficient vaccine promotion intervention. However, many mentioned that they generally are not watching such videos while navigating the Web. CONCLUSION While vaccine-critical stories are widely shared online, evidence on how best public health could counter these messages remains scarce. The use of narratives to promote vaccination was well-perceived by parents. Future studies are needed to assess reach and impact of such an intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eve Dubé
- Department of Anthropology, Laval University, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Biohazard, Quebec National Institute of Public Health, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marie-Eve Trottier
- Department of Biohazard, Quebec National Institute of Public Health, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Dominique Gagnon
- Department of Biohazard, Quebec National Institute of Public Health, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Julie A Bettinger
- Department of Pediatrics, Vaccine Evaluation Center, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Devon Greyson
- Department of Pediatrics, Vaccine Evaluation Center, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Janice Graham
- Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Noni E MacDonald
- Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Shannon E MacDonald
- Faculty of Nursing, University, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Samantha B Meyer
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Holly O Witteman
- Department of Family Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - S Michelle Driedger
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Gwiaździński P, Gundersen AB, Piksa M, Krysińska I, Kunst JR, Noworyta K, Olejniuk A, Morzy M, Rygula R, Wójtowicz T, Piasecki J. Psychological interventions countering misinformation in social media: A scoping review. Front Psychiatry 2023; 13:974782. [PMID: 36684016 PMCID: PMC9849948 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.974782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The rise of social media users and the explosive growth in misinformation shared across social media platforms have become a serious threat to democratic discourse and public health. The mentioned implications have increased the demand for misinformation detection and intervention. To contribute to this challenge, we are presenting a systematic scoping review of psychological interventions countering misinformation in social media. The review was conducted to (i) identify and map evidence on psychological interventions countering misinformation, (ii) compare the viability of the interventions on social media, and (iii) provide guidelines for the development of effective interventions. Methods A systematic search in three bibliographic databases (PubMed, Embase, and Scopus) and additional searches in Google Scholar and reference lists were conducted. Results 3,561 records were identified, 75 of which met the eligibility criteria for the inclusion in the final review. The psychological interventions identified during the review can be classified into three categories distinguished by Kozyreva et al.: Boosting, Technocognition, and Nudging, and then into 15 types within these. Most of the studied interventions were not implemented and tested in a real social media environment but under strictly controlled settings or online crowdsourcing platforms. The presented feasibility assessment of implementation insights expressed qualitatively and with numerical scoring could guide the development of future interventions that can be successfully implemented on social media platforms. Discussion The review provides the basis for further research on psychological interventions counteracting misinformation. Future research on interventions should aim to combine effective Technocognition and Nudging in the user experience of online services. Systematic review registration [https://figshare.com/], identifier [https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.14649432.v2].
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Gwiaździński
- Department of Philosophy and Bioethics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
- Consciousness Lab, Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | | | - Michal Piksa
- Affective Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | | | - Jonas R. Kunst
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Karolina Noworyta
- Affective Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | | | | | - Rafal Rygula
- Affective Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | | | - Jan Piasecki
- Department of Philosophy and Bioethics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
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