Data from 28,000 people reveals which conspiracy debunking strategies tend to work best
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A new comprehensive analysis suggests that while conspiracy beliefs are deeply entrenched, they are not entirely resistant to change. The findings indicate that specific intervention strategies, particularly those involving direct fact-checking and alternative explanations, can achieve modest reductions in these beliefs. This meta-analysis was published in the European Journal of Social Psychology.
Conspiracy theories often serve as alleged explanations for complex events, ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic to geopolitical conflicts. Believing in these narratives can lead to tangible negative consequences, such as vaccine hesitancy or disregard for democratic norms.
Lukasz Stasielowicz, a researcher at the Department of Psychology at the University of Salzburg, undertook this study to move beyond individual experiments and provide a systematic overview of what actually works. While many scientists have tested various persuasion techniques, there has been a lack of clarity regarding which methods consistently yield results and which factors moderate their success. Stasielowicz aimed to quantify the average impact of these interventions and identify the specific characteristics that enhance their effectiveness.
“Conspiracy theories play a role in everyday situations, such as deciding whether to get vaccinated after reading alarming statements in a messaging app, arguing with relatives about political news during a meal, and reading social media posts questioning medical advice from health professionals,” Stasielowicz told PsyPost. “However, there is surprisingly little solid evidence on what actually helps people believe less in harmful conspiracy theories.”
“Many research teams have tested various interventions, but these strategies have not yet been compared to determine what works, for whom, and under what circumstances. This study aimed to systematically compare the available interventions and identify features that make interventions most effective.”
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