FactCheck.org has released its list of the Whoppers of '22, its annual review of the year's worst political and viral deceptions. Political appeals to fear were as popular as ever -- and Covid-19 misinformation continued to be a huge problem online.
Conspiracy beliefs
Pre-Pandemic Conspiratorial Mindset Predicted Hesitance to Accept Covid-19 Vaccine
A new panel study from APPC researchers shows that people who evinced a conspiracy mentality in 2019, prior to the pandemic, were subsequently more likely to believe Covid-19 conspiracy theories.
Public Knowledge of Monkeypox Increases But Over 1 in 4 Unlikely to Get Vaccinated if Exposed
A survey shows public knowledge about monkeypox has increased rapidly in recent weeks, though misconceptions and uncertainty persist.
‘Creating Conspiracy Beliefs’ Explores Fear, Anxiety, Media, Social Interactions
"Creating Conspiracy Beliefs: How Our Thoughts Are Shaped" (Cambridge University Press), by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania and Western Illinois University, investigates influences on conspiracy beliefs.
How Conspiracy Theorists Exploited Covid-19 Science
Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, conspiracy theorists have exploited the conditional nature of science and questioned the trustworthiness and motives of federal agencies and officials to depict scientists and health authorities as malign actors.
COVID-19 Risk, Prevention and Treatment
The "Guide for Understanding How to Protect Yourself and Your Community" from COVID-19 offers valuable information about the disease and its origin, transmission, virulence, prevention and treatments.
APPC in New Collaboration to Counter Misinformation Online
APPC and FactCheck.org are part of an NSF-funded collaboration to counter misinformation online by narrowing the gap between research and response.
COVID-19 Conspiracy Beliefs Increased Among Users of Conservative and Social Media
COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs increased in the early months of the pandemic among heavy users of conservative and social media, APPC research shows.