Work

Misinformation on Instagram: The Impact of Trusted Endorsements on Message Credibility

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: This research explores how social validation, measured through trusted endorsements and bandwagon heuristics, influence the credibility of misinformation on Instagram. Using experimental design, this study found that trusted endorsements (i.e., the liking of content by a trustworthy or reputable source) significantly impacted the credibility of misleading content on Instagram. Perceived message credibility was greater when a fabricated post was endorsed by a trustworthy personality. Findings provide insights into how message credibility is evaluated on a social media platform like Instagram in the context of misinformation.

Source: Social Media + Society

DOI: 10.1177/2056305120935102

Authors: Paul Mena, Danielle Barbe, Sylvia Chan-Olmsted

Institutions: University of California, Santa Barbara, University of Florida

Language: English

Topic: Misinformation and Its Impacts

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $400

OpenAlex ID: W3037097658

FWCI: 20.02

Cites: 37

Cited by: 102

Related to: 10