When Corrections Fail: Effects of Misinformation Targets, Repeated Exposure, and Partisanship on Misinformation Beliefs

Abstract

This study evaluates the effectiveness of 3 misinformation-correction approaches—fact-based, narrative-based, and literacy-based—in countering politically polarized misinformation. Using a 2 (misinformation target: protesters vs. police) × 4 (correction approach: no correction, fact-based, narrative-based, literacy-based) between-subjects online survey experiment with a representative sample from Hong Kong, we also examined how repeated misinformation exposure and partisanship influence responses to misinformation and corrections. Findings reveal that (1) none of the correction approaches significantly reduced misinformation beliefs, with no differential effects among them; (2) repeated exposure to reinforced misinformation beliefs, contributing to their persistence; (3) participants’ political affiliations shaped their beliefs in misinformation and corrections; and (4) exposure to partisan-incongruent misinformation increased acceptance of such misinformation. These results highlight the importance of considering political contexts and target sensitivity in misinformation correction strategies and underscore the need for tailored approaches, such as prebunking and media literacy, to build resilience against persistent misinformation.