Motivation-based Approaches to Countering Mass-Mediated Misinformation - Volume II

This Research Topic is the second volume of Research Topic "Motivation-based Approaches to Countering Mass-Mediated Misinformation." Please, see the first volume here. The psychological factors underlying the recent growth in mass-mediated disinformation are manifold and complex, and certain modern dynamics have amplified the problem aided by the decentralized and unregulated openness of the internet, as well as by algorithmic curation, recommender systems, and artificial intelligence that shape the visibility and spread of information.The primary objective of this Research Topic is to highlight theories in social and cognitive psychology useful in providing frameworks for examining, predicting, understanding, and countering the underlying motivations behind the spread and acceptance of mass-mediated misinformation and disinformation. By applying theory-driven practical approaches, alongside computational and AI-informed methods, more effective strategies may be developed for mitigating the problem and promoting a more informed society. Understanding the cognitive, affective, and motivation-based mechanisms at play requires collaborative associations among a range of social science researchers, as well as interdisciplinary contributions from computational and data sciences.Thus, the goal of this collection is to:- Combine theoretical frameworks useful in understanding the nature, development, and efficacy of misinformation.- Examine how misinformation affects instrumental and psychological needs.- Develop and test means for countering the motivations underlying the spread and acceptance of mass-mediated misinformation.- Explore how algorithmic systems and AI-driven processes influence the dissemination, amplification, and mitigation of misinformation.Authors could submit articles on a wide range of topics related to the psychological processes underpinning the propagation of misinformation and the ways digital technology has amplified certain psychological vulnerabilities encouraging the rapid spread of misinformation, including the role of algorithmic systems, machine learning models, and AI-driven platforms. The collection would welcome papers exploring real-world applications for combating all forms of mass-mediated misinformation, along with methods and practical approaches to countering its efficacy, including computational approaches for detection, prediction, and intervention. Topics could include, but are not limited to studies using and combining motivation-based social and cognitive psych theories such as:• Terror management theory; psychological reactance theory; inoculation theory; vested interest theory; cognitive dissonance theory; regulatory fit theory; regulatory focus theory; social identity theory; social cognitive theory; social norms theory; social impact theory; cultivation theory; information cascade theory; and lay epistemic theory, among others.The above might be combined with models such as the unimodel; heuristic systematic model, extended parallel process model, and others useful in understanding the underlying psychological pathways and mechanisms motivating the spread of misinformation, as well as computational or algorithmic models that simulate or predict these processes. Such approaches could examine:At the platform level, from a social psychology perspective:• Ways to aid platform management in providing clear, prompt, and effective fact-checking tools, including AI-assisted moderation and detection systems.• Decreasing susceptibility to misinformation through disconfirmation and debiasing.• Countering echo chambers and filter bubbles by motivating deliberation and hypothesis testing, including through algorithmic interventions.• The formation of effective motivation-based strategies for mitigating the impact of misinformation.• Ways to promote intuitive approaches to navigating the information landscape more effectively, including human–AI interaction strategies.At the individual level:• The development of media literacy, critical thinking, and evidence-seeking as tools for fostering more valid and sound belief formation.• The promotion of open-mindedness and tolerance for ambiguity.• The effects of positive messaging on security, identity, and belonging needs.• Ways to foster a sense of community while reducing hostility and avoiding false narratives.• Ways to emphasize positive outcomes through engagement with accurate information.• Ways to avoid the negative consequences of consuming and spreading misinformation.We will consider the following Article Types:- Original research- Systematic review- Brief Research ReportIn addition, we will consider other manuscript types:- Hypothesis and Theory- Community case study- Registered Report Topic editors: John Banas, Elena Bessarabova, Bobi Ivanov, Claude H Miller Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80513/motivation-based-approaches-to-countering-mass-mediated-misinformation---volume-ii