Effects of Disinformation Using Deepfake: The Protective Effect of Media Literacy Education

Abstract

This research examines (a) the negative impact of disinformation including a deepfake video and (b) the protective effect of media literacy education. We conducted an experiment using a two disinformation message type (deepfake video present vs. absent) by three media literacy education (general disinformation vs. deepfake-specific vs. no literacy) factorial design. In the general disinformation (vs. deepfake-specific) literacy condition, participants were informed about (a) the definition of disinformation (vs. deepfake), (b) some examples of disinformation (vs. deepfake), and (c) the social consequences of disinformation (vs. deepfake). Results showed that disinformation messages including a deepfake video resulted in greater vividness, persuasiveness, credibility, and intent to share the message. Media literacy education reduced the effects of disinformation messages.