Measuring resilience to misinformation

A multilevel framework illustrated in the west African context

Bibliographic Data

ID20508809
AuthorsPeter Van Aelst (0000-0002-2548-0309, University of Antwerp, corresponding author), Ludovic Terren (0000-0002-7075-7573, University of Antwerp), Frank Esser (0000-0002-1627-1521, University of Zurich), Thomas Van Damme (0000-0002-9071-8416, University of Antwerp), Edda Humprecht (0000-0002-8127-2088, University of Jena)
Year2026
Volume29
Issue4
Pages1281-1303
Publication date2026-03-12
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueInformation Communication & Society (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1369-118X • E-ISSN: 1468-4462
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/1369118x.2025.2587131
OpenAlexW4416431411
LanguageEN
References cited75

In the digital age, the rapid spread of misinformation poses a significant threat to societies worldwide. This study addresses a gap in understanding and measuring resilience to misinformation by developing a novel multilevel framework, analyzing resilience at the societal (macro), media-political (meso) and individual (micro) levels. We operationalize this global framework into a resilience index using publicly available data, and illustrate it in the context of West Africa, a region facing substantial misinformation challenges. The results highlight different levels of resilience and specific vulnerabilities, providing actionable insights and a starting point for deeper, context-specific research. This innovative approach not only enhances our theoretical understanding but also provides a practical tool for the comparative analysis of misinformation vulnerability structures on a global scale

Multilevel model · Psychological resilience · Global Security and Public Health · Peacebuilding and International Security · Political Conflict and Governance

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