Does fact-checking COVID-19 fake news on social media correct readers' false beliefs? A study of Chinese youths.

Résumé

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether fact-checking COVID-19 fake news on social media corrects false beliefs among Chinese youths, and identifies factors influencing its effectiveness.METHODS: We conducted an experiment with 660 Chinese university students to compare the impact of exposure and no exposure to fact-checking on correcting misconceptions in the context of fake COVID-19 news.RESULTS: Fact-checking significantly reduced belief in fake COVID-19 news among Chinese youths, particularly among those who initially believed it or were uncertain. In the absence of fact-checking, beliefs remained unchanged. Young people who perceived the negative impact of fake news on themselves were more receptive to fact-checking, enhancing its effectiveness.CONCLUSION: This study highlights the need to tailor fact-checking strategies to audience perceptions, showing that addressing perceived harm on themselves from fake news can boost acceptance of corrections. By examining fact-checking in a non-Western context, it deepens understanding of how cultural and situational factors influence the effectiveness of combating fake news.