Individuals with high cognitive ability are less likely to fall for fake news and share it on social media. This may be attributed to their efficient information processing and better decision-making ability.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

 - Age
 - Political ideology
 - Political engagement
 - Cognitive ability
 - Personality traits

Individual Difference Predictors of Vulnerability to Misinformation

Ahmed, S. & Tan, H. W. (2022). Personality and perspicacity: Role of personality traits and cognitive ability in political misinformation discernment and sharing behavior. Personality and Individual Differences, 196, 111747-. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2022.111747

Personality and perspicacity: Role of personality traits and cognitive ability in political misinformation discernment and sharing behavior

Cognitive Ability and Vulnerability to Misinformation

Studies have explored the role of personality traits in misinformation-sharing behavior. However, mixed findings imply the need for further validation.

Personality Traits and Vulnerability to Misinformation

The present study found that younger individuals are more likely to believe and exhibit intentions to share misinformation. This may be because they react to information overload on social media and end up sharing misinformation.

Age and Vulnerability to Misinformation

Partisanship plays a crucial role in believing and sharing intention of misinformation. The present study found that individuals are more likely to believe misinformation that aligns with their partisan stand. 

Learn Before

Related