The Effect of Fake News on Behaviour

In the digital age, social media has revolutionized how we access information. However, this constant flow of information comes with a significant downside: the proliferation of misinformation. Fake news has been shown to alter beliefs, attitudes, and even create false memories. While it is widely assumed that exposure to such misinformation influences individual behaviours, concrete evidence of its real-world effects remains limited. This gap in understanding is particularly concerning given the potential implications for public health, political decision-making, and societal well-being.

Dr. Navarre’s research aims to explore the long-term behavioural consequences of exposure to fake news. To comply with ethical standards, her study will focus on relatively inconsequential behaviours such as food consumption.

Dr. Navarre’s research is structured around several studies aiming to investigate the factors that may influence the impact of fake news on human behaviour. For example, in an initial study, she will examine the extent to which exposure to fake news can shape participants' behaviour, and whether the presence of community notes (used by some social media platforms as a form of fact-checking) can moderate this effect. She will also explore the influence of different types of fake news—those that encourage certain behaviours, and those that discourage them.

By investigating the relationship between fake news and behaviour, the research will provide valuable insights into how misinformation affects decision-making processes. These findings could inform strategies to mitigate the harmful effects of fake news, with broad implications for both health-related and political behaviours. Dr. Navarre’s work will be disseminated through several scientific articles in international peer-reviewed journals, as well as through presentations at international conferences.