Information discernment and the psychophysiological effects of misinformation

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to determine what extent a person’s psychophysiological well-being affected by misinformation and whether their level information discernment has any positive or negative effect on the outcome. Design/methodology/approach Participants ( n = 48) were randomly blindly allocated one two groups: control group participants told person they working with was student; experimental additionally led believe that other participant had extreme religious views. This both stigmatising misinforming, as an actor. completed pre-screening booklet series tasks. Participants’ cardiovascular responses measured during procedure. Findings high levels discernment, i.e. those who are curious, use multiple sources verify information, sceptical about search engine cognisant importance authority aware knowledge changes contradictory at times exhibited adaptive stress response, healthy outcomes responded emotions before after stressful task. Social implications findings indicate potential harmful effects discuss how literacy Metaliteracy interventions may address issue. Originality/value first study combine hitherto unrelated theoretical areas (a sub-set literacy), affective states (positive affect survey) (challenge threat measures).