Abstract
In the long run of fighting distorted information, empowering Internet users is believed to be an economic and sustainable solution. The effectiveness of this approach relies on the assumption that Internet users pay close attention to and hold unbiased perceptions of the distorted information. To obtain a systematic examination of people's perceptions of the distorted information, we performed a two-part meta-analysis based on 24 articles with 20,777 participants across three continents. Drawing on the third-person perception/effect (TPP/TPE) framework, Part I synthesized the literature examining the perpetual gap of distorted information's influence on self and others. Based on 28 effect sizes, the results confirmed a strong third-person perception related to distorted information (d = 0.614, p <.0001). Factors identified as moderating the effect magnitude include distorted information type, TPP operationalization, and study context. Part II was a synthesis of 63 effect sizes examining the potential antecedents and consequences of distorted information TPP. The results indicated that media use, distorted information exposure, and efficacy beliefs are predictors of distorted information TPP. However, policy support, proposed as a potential consequence, was not found to be so. The implications of our findings and directions for future research are discussed.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call