Fighting cheapfakes: using a digital media literacy intervention to motivate reverse search of out-of-context visual misinformation

Abstract As a significant source of misinformation, out-of-context visual misinformation refers to visuals presented in an unrelated context. This study explores whether digital media literacy intervention that features reverse image search tools has effects on participants’ message credibility judgment, discernment and intention using tools. Data were collected from pre-registered, web-based, between-subjects experiment (N = 905). Results revealed difference among three experimental conditions: active involved both knowledge behavior, passive only, control condition. Specifically, significantly increased tools, compared the control. Neither nor had effect judgment or discernment. We discuss implications for future designs journalism practice aim combat misinformation.