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Abstract
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Theoretical and Practical Implications
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Psychology
Social Psychology

A Prosocial Fake News Intervention with Durable Effects

Profile image of Laura FaragóLaura Faragó
https://doi.org/10.31219/OSF.IO/9UTYG
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29 pages

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Abstract

In contrast to prior individuum-focused interventions, the online randomized controlled trial presented here motivated young adults through family bonds to build resistance against fake news. This preregistered study is the first psychological fake news intervention in Eastern Europe, where the free press is weak and state-sponsored misinformation runs riot in mainstream media. In this intervention, participants were endowed with an expert role and requested to write a letter to their digitally less competent relatives explaining six strategies that help fake news recognition. Compared to the active control group there was an immediate effect (d=0.32) that persisted until the follow-up four weeks later (d=0.22) on fake news accuracy ratings. The intervention also reduced the bullshit receptivity of participants both immediately after the intervention and in the long run. The present work demonstrates the power of using relevant social bonds for motivating behavior change among Easte...

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