Beliefs in Conspiracy Theories and Misinformation About COVID-19: Comparative Perspectives on the Role of Anxiety, Depression and Exposure to and Trust in Information Sources

Abstract

While COVID-19 spreads aggressively and rapidly across the globe, many societies have also witnessed the spread of other viral phenomena like misinformation, conspiracy theories, and general mass suspicions about what is really going on. This study investigates how exposure to and trust in information sources, and anxiety and depression, are associated with conspiracy and misinformation beliefs in eight countries/regions (Belgium, Canada, England, Philippines, Hong Kong, New Zealand, United States, Switzerland) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected in an online survey fielded from May 29, 2020 to June 12, 2020, resulting in a multinational representative sample of 8,806 adult respondents. Results indicate that greater exposure to traditional media (television, radio, newspapers) is associated with lower conspiracy and misinformation beliefs, while exposure to politicians and digital media and personal contacts are associated with greater conspiracy and misinformation beliefs. Exposure to health experts is associated with lower conspiracy beliefs only. Higher feelings of depression are also associated with greater conspiracy and misinformation beliefs. We also found relevant group- and country differences. We discuss the implications of these results.

COVID-19 Scientific Facts vs. Conspiracy Theories: Is Science Failing to Pass Its Message?

“…The direct competition science has with conspiracy theories is intense. Conspiracy theories about COVID-19 are spreading faster than other ideas [ 4 ]. Is science failing to communicate effectively its messages about COVID-19?…”

“…Fake news spreads faster and more easily than this virus, and is just as dangerous” [ 3 ]. Subsequently, others have studied this phenomenon and raise similar concerns [ 4 ].…”

With the little help of science understanding: Examining the direct and indirect role of scientific reasoning and trust in science in normative health behaviour during pandemic

“…the science and its processes. Trust in authorities (and scientific authorities among them) was shown to be an important predictor of many conspiracy theories (Achimescu et al, 2020;Bruder & Kunert, 2020;De Coninck et al, 2021;Freeman et al, 2020;Kim & Kim, 2021;Šrol et al, 2021;van Mulukom, 2020) and it mediated the negative effect of conspiracy theories on adherence to guidelines (Bruder & Kunert, 2020;Karić & Međedović, 2021;Pavela Banai et al, 2020;Plohl & Musil, 2020;Pummerer et al, 2020).…”

Special Issue on COVID-19 and Novel Mixed Methods Methodological Approaches During Catastrophic Social Changes

“…Conspiracy theories, falsehoods, misinformation campaigns, misinterpretation of information, perpetuation of false claims were framed to be believable and abounded (Lewis, 2020). Rumors proliferated that the pandemic was a hoax and based on fake news (De Coninck et al, 2021). Even with the grim reality of rapidly increasing infections and deaths, some politicians still spurned social distancing, basic hygienic, and protective procedures such as mask wearing that are known to help prevent transmission of the virus (Shearing, 2020).…”