Effects of Fact-Checking Political Misinformation on Perceptual Accuracy and Epistemic Political Efficacy

Abstract

Numerous studies have shown fact-checks can debunk misinformation and improve perceptions of reality surrounding a specific political issue. We examine whether fact-checks might also boost epistemic political efficacy (EPE), which is confidence in one’s ability they can perceive reality surrounding political issues in general. Using a survey experiment (N = 1,139), we find discrediting misinformation with a fact-check increases accuracy in issue perceptions and, indirectly, EPE. However, fact-checking’s direct effect on EPE is negative, suggesting fact-checks generally help individuals perform an immediate cognitive task—deciding which aspects of a political issue are true—while weakening confidence in task performance.