The "Disinformation and Security: Definitions, Mechanisms, Recommendations" report, prepared jointly by UJ and the Polish Press Agency (PAP), was presented at the 35th Economic Forum in Karpacz on September 9.
The report highlights that false information does not necessarily have to appear credible immediately, because failing to pay attention to it or analyse it critically is enough.
According to the researchers, one of the best-documented mechanisms linked to susceptibility to disinformation is a lack of reflective information processing. Another is known as motivated reasoning, whereby people are more likely to accept information that aligns with their existing beliefs.
The illusory truth effect, cited by the experts as significant, is the increased perception of information as true caused by repeated exposure to it.
"In addition to the illusory truth effect, research indicates that as time passes, people often remember the content of information while simultaneously forgetting its source", the report says.
Experts also highlighted social identity as a factor influencing how people assess and share information, noting that people tend to trust and more readily accept messages from members of groups they belong to.
"Disinformation therefore serves not only an informational function, but also a social and identity-related one, enabling people to express their views and strengthen group ties", the report says.
The research also points to affective polarisation — rising emotional hostility towards people with opposing political views — as an increasingly important factor in the spread of disinformation.
(sp/jh)
Source: PAP