Misinformation & Misbeliefs: Cross-belief Communication Strategies Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

In our current information age, we are inundated with an abundance of misinformation, or false information, surrounding us across multiple channels and platforms. As the illusory truth effect demonstrates, we begin to believe false information to be true based on repeated exposure to misinformation. As such, previous research has explored the technological factors, cognitive considerations, affective elements, ideological components, and social influences that play a role in the acceptance of misinformation and the proliferation of false beliefs, which are incredibly resistant to change. As coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates, the spread of misinformation related to the coronavirus pandemic has the propensity to create misbeliefs, or false beliefs. Previous research has identified a relationship between coronavirus misbeliefs and a reduced likelihood in complying with public health guidelines, illustrating that COVID-19 misbeliefs have direct consequences on our individual and public health. Armed with this knowledge, it is critical to explore how we can begin to effectively communicate with and reinform those who hold misbeliefs about the coronavirus pandemic. My research explores the belief change process from the perspective of participants who experienced a change in belief related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a naturalistic, qualitative descriptive research methodology, data was collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with sixteen participants. Through learning from the experiences of participants, the key influences in their belief change process, and how they communicate with others who still hold COVID-19 misbeliefs, I recommend strategies for building individual and social resilience against misinformation and misbeliefs, as well as approaches for effective cross-belief communication, which I define as communication between individuals who hold opposing or opposite beliefs. Utilizing BronfenbrennerÕs ecological systems theory (1977), I propose individual, interpersonal, institutional, and cultural strategies for building individual and social resiliency against misinformation and misbeliefs. Additionally, I apply BrodskyÕs operational model of resilience (2011) to individual-level resiliency approaches, focusing on awareness, intention, action, reflection, and maintenance. Lastly, I argue that we must abandon the old maxim that demands we avoid discussing ÒpoliticsÓ or controversial topics, and instead, we should work towards becoming more effective communicators and make a commitment to engage in cross-belief conversations.