Using psychological science to understand and fight health misinformation: An APA consensus statement
Sander van der Linden1, Dolores Albarracín2, Lisa Fazio3
1Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge.
Abstract:
There is widespread concern that misinformation poses dangerous risks to health, well-being, and civic life. Despite a growing body of research on the topic, significant questions remain about the psychological factors that render people susceptible to misinformation, the extent to which it affects real-world behavior, how it spreads online and offline, and intervention strategies that counter and correct misinformation effectively. This report reviews the best available psychological science research to reach consensus on each of these crucial questions, particularly as they pertain to health-related misinformation. In addition, the report offers eight specific recommendations for scientists, policymakers, and health professionals who seek to recognize and respond to misinformation in healthcare and beyond. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).
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