What should I believe? A conjoint analysis of the influence of message characteristics on belief in, perceived credibility of, and intent to share political posts

Dados Bibliográficos

ID22693241
AutoresDustin Carnahan (0000-0002-4358-8081, Michigan State University, autor correspondente), Ebru Ulusoy (0000-0001-9342-1784, Michigan State University), Rachel Barry (0000-0003-1683-7895, School of Communication, Ohio State University , Columbus, USA), Johnny Mcgraw (Michigan State University), Isabel Virtue (Michigan State University), Daniel E Bergan (0000-0002-2564-385X, Michigan State University)
Ano2022
Volume72
Fascículo5
Páginas592-603
Data de publicação2022-10-03
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoJournal of Communication (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0021-9916 • E-ISSN: 1460-2466
EditoraOxford University Press (OUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1093/joc/jqac023
OpenAlexW4285988220
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas10
Referências citadas76

Research on misinformation and misperceptions often investigates claims that have already reached a critical mass, resulting in little understanding of why certain claims gain widespread belief while others fall into obscurity. Here we consider how various message features factor into why certain claims are more likely to be believed, perceived as credible, and shared with others. Using a conjoint experiment, we randomly assigned participants (N = 1,489) to receive an experimentally manipulated message describing an allegation of political misconduct. Results suggest that partisan cues play a significant role in influencing both belief and perceived credibility. Furthermore, message specificity, language intensity, and whether other users’ comments on the post refute or endorse the post also influenced belief judgment and credibility assessments. We conclude with a discussion of the theoretical and practical importance of these findings for understanding and combating the threat of misinformation.

Credibility · Misconduct · Misinformation · Perception · Political science · Politics · Source credibility · Misinformation and Its Impacts · Psychology · Public Relations and Crisis Communication · Social Media and Politics · Social Psychology