The interplay of culture, cognition, and political engagement in the reporting of disinformation

A multi-country analysis

Bibliographic Data

ID8134690
AuthorsSaifuddin Ahmed (0000-0001-6372-213X, corresponding author), Sheryl Wei Ting Ng (0009-0003-2711-3099), Ruolan Deng (0000-0003-3232-0992), Adeline Wei Ting Bee
Year2026
Pages1-23
Publication date2026-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Information Technology & Politics (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1933-169X • E-ISSN: 1933-1681
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/19331681.2025.2609120
OpenAlexW7117965611
LanguageEN
References cited47

Despite extensive research on mis- and disinformation engagement, empirical work on their reporting behavior remains limited. Existing studies also lack attention to Asian countries. This study analyzes deepfake reporting behavior across eight countries. The results show that, in most contexts, individuals with higher political engagement are more likely to report disinformation. Moreover, the relationship is moderated by both cognitive ability and cultural context. Politically engaged individuals with lower cognitive ability, especially in cultures characterized by high power distance, individualism, long-term orientation, and low masculinity, are more inclined to report deepfakes. We conclude by discussing the theoretical and practical implications.

Context (archaeology · Politics · Public engagement · Work (physics · Education and Critical Thinking Development · Media Influence and Politics · Misinformation and Its Impacts