Inoculation hesitancy: an exploration of challenges in scaling inoculation theory

Johnson, Alexandra and Madsen, Jens ORCID: 0000-0003-2405-8496 (2024) Inoculation hesitancy: an exploration of challenges in scaling inoculation theory. Royal Society Open Science, 11 (6). ISSN 2054-5703

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Abstract

Inoculation theory research offers a promising psychological 'vaccination' against misinformation. But are people willing to take it? Expanding on the inoculation metaphor, we introduce the concept of 'inoculation hesitancy' as a framework for exploring reluctance to engage with misinformation interventions. Study 1 investigated whether individuals feel a need for misinformation inoculations. In a comparative self-evaluation, participants assessed their own experiences with misinformation and expectations of inoculation and compared them to those of the average person. Results exposed a better-than-average effect. While participants were concerned over the problem of misinformation, they estimated that they were less likely to be exposed to it and more skilful at detecting it than the average person. Their self-described likelihood of engaging with inoculation was moderate, and they believed other people would benefit more from being inoculated. In Study 2, participants evaluated their inclination to watch inoculation videos from sources varying in trustworthiness and political affiliation. Results suggest that participants are significantly less willing to accept inoculations from low-trust sources and less likely to accept inoculations from partisan sources that are antithetical to their own political beliefs. Overall, this research identifies motivational obstacles in reaching herd immunity with inoculation theory, guiding future development of inoculation interventions.

Item Type:	Article
Official URL:	https://royalsocietypublishing.org/journal/rsos
Additional Information:	© 2024 The Author(s)
Divisions:	Psychological and Behavioural Science
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Date Deposited:	08 Apr 2024 14:42
Last Modified:	20 Dec 2024 00:53
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/122566

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