Twitter study finds correcting misinformation may make problem worse


Researchers say getting publicly corrected by another Twitter user may only shifts people's attention away from accuracy to other social factors such as embarrassment. — dpa

Correcting misinformation on Twitter may only make the problem worse, according to a study. Researchers offered polite corrections complete with links to solid evidence, in replies to flagrantly false tweets about politics.

But they found this had negative consequences, leading to even less accurate tweets and greater toxicity from those being corrected. Lead author Dr Mohsen Mosleh, from the University of Exeter, said the findings were "not encouraging."

Subscribe now and get 30% off The Star Yearly Plan

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 9.73/month

Billed as RM 9.73 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.63/month

Billed as RM 103.60 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.


Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Others Also Read


Want to listen to full audio?

Unlock unlimited access to enjoy personalise features on the TheStar.com.my

Already a subscriber? Log In