Algorithmic Inoculation Against Misinformation: How to Build Cognitive Immunity Against Misinformation

ABSTRACT

The benefits of generative AI tools come with the risk of misleading users and radicalizing existing societal biases. This study examined the effects of inoculation treatment on users’ attitudes and behaviors by testing a misinformation inoculation model. Based on inoculation theory, it discusses the cognitive mechanisms underpinning the effects of inoculation messages presented by AI chatbots by addressing how users construe inoculation messages and how they influence users’ resistance against misinformation. This study renders theoretical rationales and empirical evidence for cognitive immunity by clarifying how the theory can be extended to misinformation and how the framework can be practically implemented.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Donghee Shin

Donghee Shin (Ph.D. & M.A., Syracuse University) is a professor and chair at the College of Media & Communication at Texas Tech University. His research interests include AI journalism and human-AI interaction. His recent research in the AASA paradigm (AI Are Social Actors) addresses misinformation, deep fakes, and user heuristics of disinformation.

Fokiya Akhtar

Fokyia Akhtar (Ph.D., Cardiff University) is an assistant professor in Media Production and Storytelling at the College of Communication and Media Sciences, Zayed University, Dubai, UAE. She has had vast experience in television production as a Producer/Director for documentary films, news/current affairs programs, and educational television content production.