How Media Reports on COVID-19 Conspiracy Theories Impact Consensus Beliefs and Protective Action: A Randomized Controlled Online Trial. Issue 2 (April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Logemann, Hannah Timna; Tomczyk, Samuel
• Is Part Of: Science communication. Volume 45:Issue 2(2023)
• Page Start: 145
• Page End: 171
• Publication Date: 2023-04
• Subjects: consensus -- gateway belief model -- COVID-19 -- conspiracy theory -- news; Social sciences -- Periodicals; Knowledge, Sociology of -- Periodicals; Communication in science -- Periodicals; Communication of technical information -- Periodicals; Communication in medicine -- Periodicals; Information scientifique -- Périodiques; Information technique -- Périodiques; Communication en sciences sociales -- Périodiques; Communication en médecine -- Périodiques; 300.14
• DOI: 10.1177/10755470221143087
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1075-5470

Abstract

This study examines the influence of news coverage on coronavirus disease (COVID)-related conspiracy theories on consensus perceptions regarding the seriousness of COVID-19 and its impact on attitudes and behaviors. In an online experiment, 395 participants either watched a report containing conspiracy theories, scientific facts, or information about a political summit, and they subsequently completed a questionnaire. Viewing reports on conspiracy theories lead to higher assessments of consensus compared with other reports. Perceived consensus correlated positively with attitudes toward COVID, which further correlated positively with behavior. The study shows that news reports can bias assessments of consensus, which has implications for public communication.