Exploring Demographic Factors and Algorithmic Influence on Fact-Checking Behaviors

A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Misinformation on social media networks, driven by echo chambers and the reinforcing effects of confirmation bias, poses concerns about skewing public perception. Misinformation can potentially cause harm by spreading false information that may be believed and acted upon, leading to poor outcomes in areas of health, politics, and public safety. Despite existing strategies to counter misinformation, gaps remain in understanding how demographic and psychological factors influence users’ willingness to verify the information they encounter online. To address these gaps, the present study conducted a qualitative survey of 214 social media users in the State of Oregon, analyzing their fact-checking behaviors in relation to age, education, and social media usage. The study explored five proposed hypotheses, investigating the impact of demographic factors, educational background, social media habits, and algorithmic influences on fact-checking behaviors. Findings suggested that younger adults are more likely to fact-check compared to older adults, while educated users are not necessarily more critical towards opposing information sources, as they often disregard inconsistent information. Contrary to expectations, increased social media usage among participants was not found to reduce the likelihood of fact-checking; however, exposure to fact-check labels and content warnings did boost information verification behaviors. The study also confirmed that social media algorithms encourage confirmation bias by consistently showing users content aligned with their existing beliefs. The present study concludes with recommendations for increasing fact-checking behaviors among users through behavioral economics solutions, such as nudges, and proposes further research into the psychological processes shaping information verification behaviors across diverse demographic contexts.