Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026

Highlighting and Reducing the Impact of Negative Aging Stereotypes During Older Adults' Cognitive Testing
Published on: January 24, 2020
Why does debunking information fall on "deaf ears"? A study on the backfire effect of health rumor corrections among
Chenyu Gu1,2
1Minjiang University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China.
Abstract:
With the rise of age-friendly digital tools, older adults increasingly access health information online. Yet weakened gatekeeping in digital media has facilitated the spread of health rumors. Corrective efforts sometimes backfire, reinforcing belief in misinformation-a phenomenon known as the backfire effect. This study explores its formation among older adults via semi-structured interviews with 22 participants. Using grounded theory and integrating the Stressor-Strain-Outcome (SSO) framework with the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM), it identifies two pathways: worldview and familiarity backfire effects. Findings reveal how cognitive dissonance, emotional defense, and individual traits shape resistance to corrections. The study proposes targeted strategies involving message design, social communication, psychological inoculation, and digital literacy. It offers insights into improving health misinformation correction for aging populations.
Related Concept Videos
Regression Toward the Mean
Bias in Epidemiological Studies
The Availability Heuristic
False Memories
One primary source of false memories is misattribution, where individuals incorrectly associate external information...
Confirmation Biases
Social Facilitation

