A new review of research explores why some people are more likely to believe and share health misinformation on digital platforms. The review looked at factors at three levels: individual, relational, and platform.
At the individual level, people with limited health, digital, or news literacy were more susceptible. So were those who relied on emotions or identity-driven reasoning rather than careful thinking. At the relational level, trusting doctors and scientific institutions was protective, while relying on peer networks or social media increased risk.
Platform features also played a role. Algorithmic curation, passive news exposure, information overload, and AI-generated content all made people more vulnerable to misinformation.
The review is a narrative summary of existing research, not a new experiment. It does not prove that these factors cause susceptibility, only that they are linked. The findings can help guide future research and efforts to reduce the spread of health misinformation online.
