Fact-Checking Interventions on Social Media Using Cartoon Figures: Lessons Learned from “the Tooties”

Fact-checking as a specific genre has become more important than ever over the past two decades to counter misinformation. However, we know from previous research that people rarely actively search for fact-checks. This study therefore argues importance of fact-checks so-called direct content interventions on social media. More specifically, this article discusses findings about an innovative way implement these fact-check interventions, namely through Tooties, cartoon characters kindly point out incorrectness refutable claim. Based both real-life implementation Tooties and online experiment, provides insights feasibility effectiveness type intervention compared some widely used types interventions. can prompt further into added value media help news organizations in developing implementing them.