Using Psychological Science to Understand and Fight Health Misinformation: An APA Consensus Statement

Abstract

There is widespread concern that misinformation poses dangerous risks to health, wellbeing, and civic life. Despite a growing body of research on the topic, significant questions remain about 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 it 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.