How older adults manage misinformation and information overload - A qualitative study

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic was characterized by an abundance of information, some of it reliable and some of it misinformation. Evidence-based data on the impact of misinformation on attitudes and behaviours remains limited. Studies indicate that older adults are more likely to embrac...

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Main Authors: M. Vivion, V. Reid, E. Dubé, A. Coutant, A. Benoit, A. Tourigny
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2024-03-01
Series:BMC Public Health
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-18335-x
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author M. Vivion
V. Reid
E. Dubé
A. Coutant
A. Benoit
A. Tourigny
author_facet M. Vivion
V. Reid
E. Dubé
A. Coutant
A. Benoit
A. Tourigny
author_sort M. Vivion
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic was characterized by an abundance of information, some of it reliable and some of it misinformation. Evidence-based data on the impact of misinformation on attitudes and behaviours remains limited. Studies indicate that older adults are more likely to embrace and disseminate misinformation than other population groups, making them vulnerable to misinformation. The purpose of this article is to explore the effects of misinformation and information overload on older adults, and to present the management strategies put in place to deal with such effects, in the context of COVID-19. Methods A qualitative exploratory approach was adopted to conduct this research. A total of 36 semi-structured interviews were conducted with older adults living in Quebec, Canada. The interviews were fully transcribed and subjected to a thematic content analysis. Results Participants said they could easily spot misinformation online. Despite this, misinformation and its treatment by the media could generate fear, stress and anxiety. Moreover, the polarization induced by misinformation resulted in tensions and even friendship breakdowns. Participants also denounced the information overload produced largely by the media. To this end, the participants set up information routines targeting the sources of information and the times at which they consulted the information. Conclusions This article questions the concept of vulnerability to misinformation by highlighting older adults’ agency in managing misinformation and information overload. Furthermore, this study invites us to rethink communication strategies by distinguishing between information overload and misinformation.
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spelling doaj.art-e0d28fcb980c4784a6facc1b31a7bf972024-03-24T12:36:12ZengBMCBMC Public Health1471-24582024-03-012411910.1186/s12889-024-18335-xHow older adults manage misinformation and information overload - A qualitative studyM. Vivion0V. Reid1E. Dubé2A. Coutant3A. Benoit4A. Tourigny5Department of Social and Preventive Medecine, Université LavalCHU de Québec-Université Laval Research CenterCHU de Québec-Université Laval Research CenterLaboratoire sur la communication et le numérique (LabCMO)GDR AREES (Groupe de recherche: Arctique: Enjeux pour l’environnement et les sociétés) du CRNSInstitut sur le vieillissement et la participation sociale des aînés de l’Université LavalAbstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic was characterized by an abundance of information, some of it reliable and some of it misinformation. Evidence-based data on the impact of misinformation on attitudes and behaviours remains limited. Studies indicate that older adults are more likely to embrace and disseminate misinformation than other population groups, making them vulnerable to misinformation. The purpose of this article is to explore the effects of misinformation and information overload on older adults, and to present the management strategies put in place to deal with such effects, in the context of COVID-19. Methods A qualitative exploratory approach was adopted to conduct this research. A total of 36 semi-structured interviews were conducted with older adults living in Quebec, Canada. The interviews were fully transcribed and subjected to a thematic content analysis. Results Participants said they could easily spot misinformation online. Despite this, misinformation and its treatment by the media could generate fear, stress and anxiety. Moreover, the polarization induced by misinformation resulted in tensions and even friendship breakdowns. Participants also denounced the information overload produced largely by the media. To this end, the participants set up information routines targeting the sources of information and the times at which they consulted the information. Conclusions This article questions the concept of vulnerability to misinformation by highlighting older adults’ agency in managing misinformation and information overload. Furthermore, this study invites us to rethink communication strategies by distinguishing between information overload and misinformation.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-18335-xMisinformationInformation overload, social media, informational practicesCOVID-19Older adults, Quebec
spellingShingle M. Vivion
V. Reid
E. Dubé
A. Coutant
A. Benoit
A. Tourigny
How older adults manage misinformation and information overload - A qualitative study
BMC Public Health
Misinformation
Information overload, social media, informational practices
COVID-19
Older adults, Quebec
title How older adults manage misinformation and information overload - A qualitative study
title_full How older adults manage misinformation and information overload - A qualitative study
title_fullStr How older adults manage misinformation and information overload - A qualitative study
title_full_unstemmed How older adults manage misinformation and information overload - A qualitative study
title_short How older adults manage misinformation and information overload - A qualitative study
title_sort how older adults manage misinformation and information overload a qualitative study
topic Misinformation
Information overload, social media, informational practices
COVID-19
Older adults, Quebec
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-18335-x
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