The Misinformation Susceptibility Test (MIST): A psychometrically validated measure of news veracity discernment

Journal article

Widespread exposure to inaccurate, misleading, and false health-related information online poses a significant challenge to individual health behaviors, often benefiting industries that promote unhealthy lifestyles. Individual differences in general susceptibility to misinformation may offer protection against such influences, leading to healthier decision-making. In this exploratory survey study conducted among a sample of the Dutch population, we investigate the relationship between general susceptibility to misinformation and various health behaviors, including alternative health care usage, smoking habits, sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, and alcohol consumption. We find a positive association between general susceptibility to misinformation and sugary beverage consumption. We also find a positive association between misinformation susceptibility and smoking behavior, although significance of this relationship depends on the choice of control variables. Contrary to our expectations, we find a negative association between susceptibility and alcohol consumption, and no significant relationship with usage of alternative health care.

Authors: Maertens, R; Götz, FM; Golino, HF; Roozenbeek, J; Schneider, CR

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Springer
• Journal: Behavior Research Methods
• Volume: 56
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 1863-1899
• Publication date: 2023-06-29
• DOI: 10.3758/s13428-023-02124-2
• EISSN: 1554-3528
• ISSN: 1554-351X
• Language: English
• Keywords: Mist; Social psychology; Computer science; Psychology; Test (biology); Computer security; Misinformation; Psychological intervention