Jon Roozenbeek|Claudia R. Schneider|Sarah Dryhurst|John R. Kerr|Alexandra L. J. Freeman|Gabriel Recchia|Anne Marthe van der Bles|Sander van der Linden
Susceptibility to misinformation about COVID-19 around the world
University of Cambridge|University of Cambridge|University of Cambridge|University of Cambridge|University of Cambridge|University of Cambridge|University of Cambridge|University of Groningen|University of Cambridge
misinformation covid19 major threat public health using five national samples uk n 1050 n 1150 ireland n 700 usa n 700 spain n 700 mexico n 700 examine predictors belief common statements virus contain misinformation also investigate prevalence belief covid19 misinformation across different countries role belief misinformation predicting relevant health behaviours find public belief misinformation covid19 particularly common substantial proportion views type misinformation highly reliable country surveyed addition small group participants find common factual information virus highly unreliable also find increased susceptibility misinformation negatively affects peoples selfreported compliance public health guidance covid19 well peoples willingness get vaccinated virus recommend vaccine vulnerable friends family across countries surveyed find higher trust scientists higher numeracy skills associated lower susceptibility coronavirusrelated misinformation taken together results demonstrate clear link susceptibility misinformation vaccine hesitancy reduced likelihood comply health guidance measures suggest interventions aim improve critical thinking trust science may promising avenue future research