The dangers of false news: how sensational content and outgroup cues strengthen support for violence and anti-muslim policies

Javed, Jeffrey and Miller, Blake Andrew Phillip ORCID: 0000-0002-4707-0984 (2019) The dangers of false news: how sensational content and outgroup cues strengthen support for violence and anti-muslim policies. . University of Michigan, Department of Statistics, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

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Abstract

Does reading sensationalized false news stories make people more violent and dis- criminatory? Research on false news has focused more on its di↵usion and less on its e↵ects. This study tested the e↵ects of sensationalization, outgroup cues, and public opinion perception on support for violence and anti-Muslim policies. We used an online survey experiment with a realistic, interactive website treat- ment detailing a homicide story in small-town America, written in the style of a false news article. We found that sensationalist language increased individuals’ support for violence by provoking feelings of anger and fear, while identifying the suspect in the homicide as a Muslim refugee, versus specifying no outgroup a liation, increased support for anti-Muslim policies. Lastly, perceived public support for violence increased the likelihood of upvoting or writing violent com- ments. This study contributes to our understanding of the ill e↵ects of false news and the public debate on online content moderation.

Item Type:	Monograph (Working Paper)
Additional Information:	© 2019 The Authors
Divisions:	Methodology
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
Date Deposited:	22 Aug 2019 11:42
Last Modified:	11 Sep 2025 04:53
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/101438

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