Fighting lies with facts or humor: Comparing the effectiveness of satirical and regular fact-checks in response to misinformation and disinformation

This study tested the effectiveness of fact-check format (regular vs. satirical) to refute different types false information. Specifically, we conducted a pre-registered online survey experiment (N = 849) that compared effects regular fact-checkers and satirist refutations in response mis- disinformation about crime rates. The findings illustrated both fact-checking formats – factual satirical were equally effective lowering issue agreement perceived credibility Instead backfire effect, moreover, was particularly among people who agreed with information; for fact-checking, effect found across-the-board. Both ineffective decreasing affective polarization; it rather increased polarization under specific conditions (satire; agreeing fact-check).