The effects of worry, risk perception, information-seeking experience, and trust in misinformation on COVID-19 fact-checking: a survey study in China

Abstract

Health misinformation is a serious problem that can cause confusion and risk-taking behaviors, undermining public health efforts. Fact-checking has been highlighted as an effective tool for coping with the challenge of misinformation. However, few studies have examined the factors influencing individuals’ health fact-checking behaviors. Using the comprehensive model of information seeking, we conducted a two-wave panel survey in China during the COVID-19 pandemic and explored the underlying process that might hinder COVID-19 fact-checking. The results showed that risk perception and worry about COVID-19 triggered a negative COVID-19 information-seeking experience, which reduced COVID-19 fact-checking. Moreover, the propensity to trust COVID-19 misinformation played a moderating role, such that negative information-seeking experience had a stronger negative effect on fact-checking behaviors for people with a greater propensity to trust misinformation. This study demonstrates the dark side of cognitive and affective responses to risks and health information-seeking experiences. The findings offer important implications for future health communication initiatives to effectively promote health fact-checking behaviors.

Keywords:

• health fact-checking
• worry
• risk perception
• information-seeking experience
• trust in misinformation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Shaohai Jiang

Shaohai Jiang is Assistant Professor in the Department of Communications and New Media at National University of Singapore. His research interests include patient–provider communication, health information seeking, e-Health and mHealth, and health campaigns.

Piper Liping Liu

Piper Liping Liu is Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Macau. Her primary research interests are health communication, digital media, and quality of life.

Annabel Ngien

Annabel Ngien is a PhD student in the Department of Communications and New Media at National University of Singapore. Her research interests are at the intersection of health communication, media psychology, and health promotion.

Qiaofei Wu

Qiaofei Wu is a PhD student in the Department of Communications and New Media at National University of Singapore. His research examines mental health, media effects, and social media.