Fact-checker warning labels are effective even for those who distrust fact-checkers

Cameron Martel () and David G. Rand
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Cameron Martel: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
David G. Rand: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Nature Human Behaviour, 2024, vol. 8, issue 10, 1957-1967

Abstract: Abstract Warning labels from professional fact-checkers are one of the most widely used interventions against online misinformation. But are fact-checker warning labels effective for those who distrust fact-checkers? Here, in a first correlational study (N = 1,000), we validate a measure of trust in fact-checkers. Next, we conduct meta-analyses across 21 experiments (total N = 14,133) in which participants evaluated true and false news posts and were randomized to either see no warning labels or to see warning labels on a high proportion of the false posts. Warning labels were on average effective at reducing belief in (27.6% reduction), and sharing of (24.7% reduction), false headlines. While warning effects were smaller for participants with less trust in fact-checkers, warning labels nonetheless significantly reduced belief in (12.9% reduction), and sharing of (16.7% reduction), false news even for those most distrusting of fact-checkers. These results suggest that fact-checker warning labels are a broadly effective tool for combatting misinformation.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41562-024-01973-x

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