Lacuna publics: advancing a typology of disinformation-susceptible publics using the motivation-attitude-knowledge framework

Abstract

The purpose of this study was twofold. First, this study sought to validate the conceptualization and operationalization of lacuna publics, conceptulized as knowledge-deficient, extreme pro- and/or anti-issue activists about controversial social issues. Second, this study advanced a typology of disinformation-susceptible publics, classifying individuals into disinformation-immune, disinformation-vulnerable, disinformation-receptive, and disinformation-amplifying publics based on their issue-specific motivation, attitudes, and knowledge deficiency. In doing so, this study helps refocus scholarly attention on disinformation campaigns and how to possibly mitigate their effects. Surveys were conducted among American adults to understand lacuna publics’ information behaviors compared to those of non-lacuna publics, and to identify individuals who comprise the four disinformation-susceptible publics conceptualized in this study. Theoretical and methodological implications are discussed (120 words).