Anti-Fake News Tool: UK University Researchers May Have Found Solution

http://www.universityherald.com/articles/61914/20170124/anti-fake-news-tool-uk-university-researchers-found-solution.htm

Cambridge University researchers have created psychological tools that can combat fake news. Apparently, mixing misinformation with actual facts can help cancel out the effects of bogus claims. BBC reported that researchers at Cambridge University have suggested that "pre-emptively exposing" readers to small bits of misinformation can negate the effects of fake news.

The study's lead author, Dr. Sander van der Linden, said that the concept is about providing a "cognitive repertoire" that can increase resistance to misinformation.This way, the next time people are exposed to fake news, they are less susceptible. The study was published in the journal "Global Challenges." The study was conducted as a disguised experiment. Researchers presented over 2,000 U.S. residents with two claims about global warming.

It was found that, when presented consecutively, the effects that well-established facts had on people were eliminated by fake claims. However, when accurate information was combined with misinformation, like a warning, the fake news had less effect.

According to Phys.org, participants were tasked to rate current levels of scientific agreement on climate change to gauge shifts in their opinions. The inoculation messages were effective in changing the opinions of the participants, regardless of political beliefs.

Tech Crunch added that the more detailed warning was nearly twice as effective as the general warning. This is with regards to shifting the participants' opinions toward accepting climate science consensus even when exposed to fake news.