Knowledge is Power…to misinform: Examining how knowledge gaps affect engagement with COVID-19 misinformation

Abstract

This study examined how the knowledge gap hypothesis (KGH), the belief gap hypothesis (BGH), partisan media use, and interpersonal discussion affected COVID-19 knowledge and social media engagement (SME) with related misinformation. The KGH partially affected knowledge and reduced SME with misinformation regarding income. The BGH increased knowledge and reduced SME with misinformation among Liberals. Right-leaning media use and interpersonal discussion increased SME with misinformation respectively. Overall, knowledge was inversely associated with SME with misinformation.

Keywords

• The knowledge gap hypothesis
• The belief gap hypothesis
• Social media engagement
• Interpersonal communication
• COVID-19
• Mmisinformation