오정보(misinformation), 왜 믿는가? 어떻게 정정할 것인가?: 오정보와 그 정정에 대한 이론적 검토

황현정,김장원,이효은,서유지,고예나,양소은,김현석 서울대학교 언론정보연구소 2020 언론정보연구 Vol.57 No.4

Misinformation, boosted by mass media and social network sites, is disseminating farther and faster than ever before, affecting millions. Despite the deleterious consequences of the spread of misinformation, such as engendering ill-informed voting behaviors and misleading health related beliefs, there has been insufficient discussion on the ramifications of and solutions to this phenomenon. The purpose of this article is to (a) examine the mechanisms underlying the acceptance and correction of misinformation by systematically reviewing theoretical and empirical literature from communication and psychological science; and (b) propose effective communication interventions to correct misinformation. Our literature review suggests that various factors related to the source (source credibility), message (processing fluency, familiarity, coherence, narrative), channel (modality, synchronicity, affinity), and receiver (skepticism, preexisting beliefs, news literacy) aspects of communication may affect the extent to which people believe misinformation. Once misinformation is accepted, it tends to continue to shape the message recipient’s beliefs and attitudes, making its correction difficult. However, carefully-crafted corrective messages can reduce the negative influence of misinformation. Specifically, the literature suggests that corrective messages should aim at undermining the persuasiveness of and replacing the mental models formed by the misinformation. We conclude by recommending four strategies to design effective corrective messages: (a) employ a reliable information source, (b) provide sufficient information to replace the existing mental model, (c) activate the recipients’ skepticism, and (d) focus on forewarning before exposure to misinformation alongside post-exposure corrective efforts. 소셜 네트워크 사이트로 대표되는 새로운 미디어 환경 속에서 오늘날 오정보(misinformation)는 과거보다 더 빠르게 더 광범위하게 확산하고, 더 많은 사람에게 영향을 미친다. 이러한 오정보는 민주주의와 지식체계에 부정적인 영향을 미칠 수 있지만, 아직 국내에서는 오정보의 영향과 그 정정 방안에 대한 학문적 논의가 상대적으로부족한 실정이다. 본 연구는 커뮤니케이션학과 심리학의 이론적·실증적 연구들에 대한 문헌 검토를 바탕으로 오정보의 수용과 정정의 과정과 원리를 살펴보고, 이를 통해효과적인 오정보 정정 방법을 도출했다. 구체적으로, 사람들이 오정보를 믿게 되는 이유와 이들을 대상으로 한 정정이 어떻게 이루어질 수 있는지에 대해 ‘정보원’, ‘메시지’, ‘채널’, ‘수용자’의 커뮤니케이션 요소별로 나누어 검토했다. 오정보가 믿음직한 정보로 수용되는 데는 (1) 정보원의 공신력, (2) 메시지의 정보 처리 용이성과 친숙도, 일관적인 논증 구조, (3) 전송 양식, 동시성 및 친밀감과 같은 채널과 관련한 속성들, (4) 수용자의 선유 신념과 회의주의적 태도, 뉴스 리터러시 등 다양한 커뮤니케이션 관련 요인이 영향을 미침을 확인했다. 아울러, 기존 연구들은 이렇게 한번 진실로 받아들여진오정보는 이후 수용자의 추론 과정과 태도에 지속적으로 영향을 미치기 때문에 정정이 쉽지 않음을 보여준다. 하지만 동시에, 비록 오정보 노출 이전 상태로 되돌릴 수는없지만, 오정보 정정 커뮤니케이션 방안을 체계적으로 설계함으로써 오정보의 부정적 영향력을 상당 부분 줄일 수 있다는 점 또한 시사한다. 대표적으로, 오정보의 설득력을 줄이고, 오정보로 형성된 심성모형을 대체할 수 있는 대안적인 정보를 충분히 제공하는 메시지 전략이 여러 연구들에서 강조되어왔다. 오정보를 효과적으로 바로잡기 위해서는 정정의 원리를 이해하고 그 효과를 극대화할 수 있는 변인을 적절하게 활용하는 것이 필요하다. 결론에서 이 연구는 효과적인 오정보의 정정 방법으로 (1) 공신력 높은 정보원을 제시할 것, (2) 심성모형을 대체할 수 있는 대안 정보를 제공할 것, (3) 수용자의 회의주의 성향을 활성화할 것, (4) 사후 정정보다는 사전 경고를 활용할것을 제안했다.

팬데믹 기간 코로나19 관련 허위정보는 어떻게 건강을 위협하는가? : 패널데이터 분석결과를 중심으로

장경은(Kyungeun Jang),백영민(Young Min Baek) 한국언론학회 2024 한국언론학보 Vol.68 No.4

The COVID-19 pandemic presented a dual crisis worldwide, caused not only by the virus but also by the rapid spread of misinformation. The present study investigates the impact of misinformation on public health by examining how trust in COVID-19-related misinformation affects perceptions of vaccine efficacy, adherence to preventative measures, and ultimately, the likelihood of infection in South Korea. In the pandemic context, a volume of research has shown that trust in misinformation (e.g., COVID-19 is intentionally spread, death tolls are exaggerated, or vaccines are ineffective) contributes to psychological distress, decreased adherence to prevention measures, and increased health risks. Despite extensive research on the detrimental consequences of misinformation during the pandemic, there has been limited investigation on how misinformation influences the likelihood of infection. The present study aims to fill this gap by exploring the indirect effects of trust in COVID-19-related misinformation on the likelihood of infection via perceived vaccine efficacy and adherence to preventative measures. The theoretical framework for the present research is based on the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM), which posits that effective risk communication increases both perceived threat and efficacy, promoting preventive behavior. In contrast, misinformation hinders factual perceptions of risk and response efficacy, leading to ineffective threat management and decreased adherence to prevention measures. Specifically, the present study hypothesizes that higher trust in COVID-19-related misinformation leads to lower perceived vaccine efficacy, reduced adherence to preventive measures, and increased likelihood of COVID-19 infection. Additionally, the present study posits the relationship between trust in COVID-19-related misinformation and the likelihood of infection is mediated by perceived vaccine efficacy and adherence to prevention measures. Analyzing longitudinal panel survey data collected in 2022 (N = 516), this study found individuals with higher trust in COVID-19-related misinformation were more likely to deny the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines and less likely to adhere to COVID-19 prevention measures, which resulted in an increased likelihood of COVID-19 infection. Bootstrapping tests confirmed that the indirect effects of misinformation trust on the likelihood of COVID-19 infection via perceived vaccine efficacy and adherence to prevention measures were statistically significant. The findings of the present study clearly demonstrate the negative consequences of misinformation on individual and public health outcomes, thereby highlighting the importance of combating misinformation to enhance public health responses. In particular, the present study proposes two approaches to managing misinformation in the pandemic context: (1) developing individuals ability to critically digest information, and (2) limiting the environment in which misinformation is transmitted. These implications for both academic research and practical interventions will contribute to enhancing public health resilience against misinformation during public health crises.

Unraveling the Web of Health Misinformation: Exploring the Characteristics, Emotions, and Motivations of Misinformation During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Vinit Yadav,Yukti Dhadwal,Rubal Kanozia,Shri Ram Pandey,Ashok Kumar 충남대학교 아시아여론연구소 2024 Asian journal for public opinion research Vol.12 No.1

The proliferation of health misinformation gained momentum amidst the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). People stuck in their homes, without work pressure, regardless of health concerns towards personal, family, or peer groups, consistently demanded information. People became engaged with misinformation while attempting to find health information content. This study used the content analysis method and analyzed 1,154 misinformation stories from four prominent signatories of the International Fact-Checking Network during the pandemic. The study finds the five main categories of misinformation related to the COVID-19 pandemic. These are 1) the severity of the virus, 2) cure, prevention, and treatment, 3) myths and rumors about vaccines, 4) health authorities' guidelines, and 5) personal and social impacts. Various sub-categories supported the content characteristics of these categories. The study also analyzed the emotional valence of health misinformation. It was found that misinformation containing negative sentiments got higher engagement during the pandemic. Positive and neutral sentiment misinformation has less reach. Surprise, fear, and anger/aggressive emotions highly affected people during the pandemic; in general, people and social media users warning people to safeguard themselves from COVID-19 and creating a confusing state were found as the primary motivation behind the propagation of misinformation. The present study offers valuable perspectives on the mechanisms underlying the spread of health-related misinformation amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. It highlights the significance of discerning the accuracy of information and the feelings it conveys in minimizing the adverse effects on the well-being of public health.

Fighting the Spread of COVID-19 Misinformation on Social Media Predicting Two Types of Misinformation-Sharing Behaviors via Risk Perception, Social Media Literacy, Fear, and Organizational Trust

천명기,이태준 한국PR학회 2023 PR연구 Vol.27 No.3

Objectives The intertwining of the coronavirus spread with misinformation creates confusion among the people, significantly affecting their decision-making concerning vaccines and treatments. Given the ease with which individuals encounter COVID-19-related misinformation on social media platforms, it is imperative to anticipate and understand the behaviors of social media users with respect to sharing misinformation. This study aimed to validate a theoretical framework that seeks to predict two distinct types of misinformation-sharing behaviors: those who engage in fact-checking and those who do not. The study achieved this by investigating the influence of participants' perceptions of COVID-19 risk, their level of social media literacy, fear levels, and their trust in both the media and government for their fact-checking. Methods This study conducted an online survey that included 500 participants from South Korea. Hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to predict two distinct types of misinformation-sharing behaviors: those who engage in fact-checking and those who do not. Results The results of this study showed that fake news exposure and fear of COVID-19 were significant factors in predicting the two types of misinformation-sharing behaviors. By accounting for demographic information, exposure to fake news, and fear of COVID-19, the results of this study showed that trust in the media predicted individuals' misinformation-sharing behaviors without fact checks whereas social media literacy and trust in government led to fact-checking behavior before sharing misinformation related to COVID-19. Conclusions Infectious diseases like COVID-19 are likely to recur in the future. Consequently, the findings of this study carry both theoretical and practical significance within the realms of crisis and public communication. Specifically, the framework for predicting two distinct forms of misinformation-sharing behaviors may contribute to the development of communication theory. Furthermore, the outcomes of this study can offer valuable insights into the communication skills of professionals working in government positions.

Complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine-specific COVID-19 misinformation on social media: A scoping review

Ng Jeremy Y.,Liu Shawn,Maini Ishana,Pereira Will,Cramer Holger,Moher David 한국한의학연구원 2023 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.12 No.3

Background: The sharing of health-related information has become increasingly popular on social media. Unregulated information sharing has led to the spread of misinformation, especially regarding complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine (CAIM). This scoping review synthesized evidence surrounding the spread of CAIM-related misinformation on social media during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This review was informed by a modified version of the Arksey and O'Malley scoping review framework. AMED, EMBASE, PsycINFO and MEDLINE databases were searched systematically from inception to January 2022. Eligible articles explored COVID-19 misinformation on social media and contained sufficient information on CAIM therapies. Common themes were identified using an inductive thematic analysis approach. Results: Twenty-eight articles were included. The following themes were synthesized: 1) misinformation prompts unsafe and harmful behaviours, 2) misinformation can be separated into different categories, 3) individuals are capable of identifying and refuting CAIM misinformation, and 4) studies argue governments and social media companies have a responsibility to resolve the spread of COVID-19 misinformation. Conclusions: Misinformation can spread more easily when shared on social media. Our review suggests that misinformation about COVID-19 related to CAIM that is disseminated online contributes to unsafe health behaviours, however, this may be remedied via public education initiatives and stricter media guidelines. The results of this scoping review are crucial to understanding the behavioural impacts of the spread of COVID-19 misinformation about CAIM therapies, and can inform the development of public health policies to mitigate these issues.

오보 속 사건의 윤리성과 정정보도의 책임 귀인이 인물과 매체에 대한 평가 변화에 미치는 영향

육은희 한국방송학회 2020 방송통신연구 Vol.- No.112

In this study, It was tried to examine how the effects of politics vary according to the nature of misinformation cases and the attribution of politics. In other words, it was attempted to observe through an experiment whether the effect of the political information map differs depending on the nature of the case dealt with in the misinformation, and whether the effect of the political information map differs depending on who the responsibility of the misinformation is assigned to. To this end, an experiment was conducted with the case attributes of misinformation (ethical events, general events) and responsibility attribution of politics (internal attribution, external attribution, no attribution) as independent variables. Results show that correction articles positively changed the evaluation of people. At this time, the influence of independent variables on changes in cognitive and emotional evaluations in the evaluation of the person in the misinformation article was different. In other words, cognitive evaluation had a positive effect on political information regardless of the event attribute of misinformation. In the case of emotional evaluation, the change in character evaluation appeared differently depending on the responsible attribution of the political information diagram. On the other hand, the evaluation of media credibility changed positively after showing the correction articles, but this was found only in the condition of internal attribution. These results show that the decline in media credibility due to misinformation may vary depending on how appropriately you respond to it, rather than due to the occurrence of misinformation or the severity of errors.

누가 소셜 미디어 상에서 오정보에 대한 댓글에 동조하는가?: 인지적 종결 욕구 및 성격 5요인을 중심으로

한준영 서강대학교 사회과학연구소 2022 社會科學硏究 Vol.30 No.2

Who is more vulnerable to social influence in processing misinformation? Previous works revealed others’ opinions and evaluations affect the spread of misinformation. However, they do not offer a clear answer on when and why others matter. This paper is a first attempt to fill this gap by analyzing how psychological factors can moderate the impact of comments supporting misinformation on social media. With an online survey experiment (n=993), I find that people who have a high level of Need for Cognitive Closure, Openness, and Extroversion, or a low level of Conscientiousness are more likely to conform to others’ comments. This work deepens previous understanding of the relationship between misinformation and social influence by looking at the individual difference in susceptibility to others. 누가 소셜 미디어 상에서 오정보에 대한 댓글에 더 동조하는가? 기존 연구는 오정보의 확산 및 전파에 타인의 의견과 평가가 영향을 미침을 밝혀냈다. 하지만 구체적으로 왜, 그리고 언제 사람들의 오정보 처리에 타인이 영향을 미치는지에 대해서는 답을 제공해주지 못하고 있다. 이러한 문제의식에서 본 연구는 개인의 정보 처리 성향과 심리적 기제에 주목하여 이들이 어떻게 소셜 미디어 상에서 오정보에 대한 댓글의 효과를 조절하는지 살펴보았다. 대학 커뮤니티를 통해 모집한 993명의 성인을 대상으로 진행한 설문 실험 결과, 인지적 종결 욕구, 개방성, 그리고 외향성이 높거나 성실성이 낮을수록 소셜 미디어 상의 오정보를 처리할 때 댓글의 영향을 더 많이 받는 것으로 나타났다. 본 연구는 타인의 의견이 오정보 처리에 미치는 영향에서 개인차를 살펴본 최초의 연구로써, 오정보와 사회적 영향의 관계에 대한 기존의 이해를 심화했다는 의의가 있다.

정보 출처에 따른 오정보 신뢰성 판단 연구 : 챗GPT와 소셜 미디어 비교 중심 분석

오지현,김영욱 한국방송학회 2024 방송과 커뮤니케이션 Vol.25 No.1

The aim of this study is to examine the perception pathways of misinformation reliability based on information sources (ChatGPT vs. SNS) and to verify the mediating effects of social presence and situational motivation, as well as the moderating effects of self-efficacy and critical understanding. The findings show that when individuals receive information through ChatGPT, they exhibit higher reliability in misinformation compared to information obtained from social media. Moreover, social presence positively mediates the relationship between information sources and reliability in misinformation, while situational motivation has a negatively mediating effect. The serial mediation effect of self-efficacy and critical understanding shows a significant positive effect, and the moderating effects of self-efficacy and critical understanding were also statistically significant. Especially, in the case of information obtained through ChatGPT, social presence positively affects situational motivation, and finally situational motivation positively influences reliability in misinformation. Also, the serial mediation effect of social presence and situational motivation were only significant when the levels of self-efficacy and critical understanding are low. The implications of these research findings on the perceptions and coping strategies related to misinformation were discussed.

코로나19 관련 허위정보에 대한 인식과 당파성의 역할

오현진 고려대학교 정부학연구소 2022 정부학연구 Vol.28 No.1

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had a severe effect and became politicized across the world, we have witnessed that the rapid spread of misinformation and misperceptions about the COVID-19 have been damaging to personal health as well as inflicting massive social costs for managing the public health crisis. Growing concerns about the social consequences of the COVID-19 infodemic have lead scholarly works to focus mainly on the extent to which people with misperceptions ignore the government guidelines or hesitate to vaccinate. However, much less empirical work has asked who are more susceptible to embrace misinformation. Using a online panel survey, the purpose of this study was to explore how misperceptions about the COVID-19 are distributed among the public in South Korea, focusing on the role of partisanship and partisan polarization. This analysis found that the direction and strength of partisan identities play a crucial role in embracing the COVID-19 misinformation. It also shows that presidential out-partisans tend to embrace substantially greater misperceptions than presidential co-partisans, and the partisan perception gap is more pronounced for those with higher levels of partisan polarization. 팬데믹이 확산될수록 잘못된 정보 역시 빠르게 전파되는 현상을 가르키는 이른바 인포데믹(Infodemic)의 문제는 실제 개인의 건강을 위협할 뿐만 아니라 허위정보에 취약할수록 백신 접종 거부나 방역지침에 대한 불신으로 이어져 정부의 위기관리 조정비용을 상승시키는 등 사회적 폐해를 야기하고 있다. 갈수록 뉴미디어 환경을 통해 허위정보의 유포와 확산이 용이해지고 있지만 상대적으로 누가 코로나19 관련 허위정보에 취약한가라는 질문에 대한 경험적 연구는 아직 부족한 편이다. 이러한 문제의식 속에 본 논문은 당파성(Partisanship)과 당파적 양극화(Partisan polarization)의 심화라는 정치적 환경이 코로나19 관련 허위정보에 대한 사회적 인식을 형성하는데 있어 어떠한 영향을 미치는지 살펴보고 있다. 2021년 8월 말 실시한 ‘코로나19의 사회적 영향과 시민인식에 관한 온라인 패널여론조사’ 자료를 분석한 결과, 본 논문은 당파성의 유무 자체보다도 당파성의 방향과 당파적 양극화의 강도에 따라 코로나19 관련 허위정보에 대한 일반 시민의 믿음 혹은 불신 경향이 유의미한 차이를 보인다는 점을 발견하였다.

오정보와 심상 재연 단서가 아동의 회상 정확도에 미치는 영향

강민희(Min Hee Kang),최경숙(Kyoung Sook Choi) 한국아동학회 2003 아동학회지 Vol.24 No.2

In this test for the effect of misinformation and mental reinstatement on accuracy of recall in children, misinformation or neutral informations was presented to each of 80 five- and 80 nine - year - old children(Total : 160). Two days later they were asked to recall original information in one of two conditions; free recall or mental reinstatement. For 5-year-old children, mental reinstatement enhanced memory performance and increased the accuracy despite the presentation of misinformation. For 9-year-old children, there was no significant difference between free recall and mental reinstatement condition. For younger children, mental reinstatement may be an effective way of enhancing memory performance.