Individual differences in susceptibility to false memories for COVID-19 fake news

Gillian Murphy,Ciara M Greene

doi:10.1186/s41235-020-00262-1

Gillian Murphy, Ciara M Greene

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s41235-020-00262-1

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Abstract

Exposure to ‘fake news’ can result in false memories, with possible consequences for downstream behaviour. Given the sharp rise in online misinformation during the coronavirus pandemic, it is important to understand the factors that influence the development of false memories. The present study measured susceptibility to false memories following exposure to fabricated news stories about the pandemic in a sample of 3746 participants. We investigated the effect of individual differences in (1) knowledge about COVID-19, (2) engagement with media or discussion about the coronavirus, (3) anxiety about COVID-19 and (4) analytical reasoning. Notably, objectively and subjectively assessed knowledge about COVID-19 were not significantly correlated. Objectively assessed knowledge was associated with fewer false memories but more true memories, suggesting a true discrimination between true and fake news. In contrast, participants who merely believed themselves to be very knowledgeable were more likely to report a memory for true stories, but showed no reduction in false memories. Similarly, individuals who reported high levels of media engagement or anxiety about COVID-19 reported an increase in true (but not false) memories. Finally, higher levels of analytical reasoning were associated with fewer memories for both true and fabricated stories, suggesting a stricter threshold for reporting a memory for any story. These data indicate that false memories can form in response to fake COVID-19 news and that susceptibility to this misinformation is affected by the individual’s knowledge about and interaction with COVID-19 information, as well as their tendency to think critically.

Highlights

We identify a series of factors with proven links to misinformation susceptibility, and investigate their relationship with acceptance of COVID-19 fake news
We report that people who are more knowledgeable about COVID-19 or who score better on a test of analytical reasoning, are less prone to reporting false memories following exposure to fabricated stories
The months since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic have seen a sharp rise in the quantity of online misinformation (Brennen et al 2020; Kouzy et al 2020)

Summary

Introduction

The months since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic have seen a sharp rise in the quantity of online misinformation (Brennen et al 2020; Kouzy et al 2020). Exposure to fabricated news stories can result in false memories for the events depicted in the stories (Frenda et al 2013; O’Connell and Greene 2017; Polage 2012). These memories are often reported in rich detail and are more likely when a false story aligns with an individual’s political or social views (Murphy et al 2019). There are a range of contextual factors that may influence an individual’s tendency to believe, remember or share a piece of misinformation. These include elements that increase the ‘truthiness’, or subjective feeling of truth about a story. Multiple presentations of a story can trick participants into feeling an increased sense of familiarity for the events depicted—a phenomenon termed ‘illusory truth’ (Pennycook et al 2018)

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