How does information spread? A study of true and fake news

Sandeep Suntwal, Susan A. Brown, Mark W. Patton

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

The intentional and non-intentional use of social media platforms resulting in digital wildfires of misinformation has increased significantly over the last few years. However, the factors that influence this rapid spread in the online space remain largely unknown. We study how believability and intention to share information are influenced by multiple factors in addition to confirmation bias. We conducted an experiment where a mix of true and false articles were evaluated by study participants. Using hierarchical linear modelling to analyze our data, we found that in addition to confirmation bias, believability is influenced by source endorser credibility and argument quality, both of which are moderated by the type of information - true or false. Source likeability also had a positive main effect on believability. After controlling for belief and confirmation bias, intention to share information was affected by source endorser credibility and information source likeability.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 53rd Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, HICSS 2020
EditorsTung X. Bui
PublisherIEEE Computer Society
Pages5893-5902
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9780998133133
StatePublished - 2020
Event53rd Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, HICSS 2020 - Maui, United States
Duration: Jan 7 2020Jan 10 2020

Publication series

NameProceedings of the Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences
Volume2020-January
ISSN (Print)1530-1605

Conference

Conference53rd Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, HICSS 2020
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityMaui
Period1/7/201/10/20

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering

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