Review: Persuasive strategies in online health misinformation: a systematic review by Wei Peng, Sue Lim & Jingbo Meng

In today’s article, we will review the findings from the research paper "Persuasive strategies in online health misinformation: a systematic review" by Wei Peng, Sue Lim, and Jingbo Meng. The authors acknowledged that although many studies have focused on categorizing health misinformation and exploring debunking strategies for different types of health misinformation, there has been limited research on the persuasive strategies utilized within such misinformation that may influence readers.

Objective

This study investigates the various persuasive strategies used in online health misinformation. The authors identified and categorized them into twelve (12) thematic groups.

Methodology

To gather data, the study uses a systematic review methodology to analyze existing literature related to the topic. The study was guided by the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta- analysis (PRISMA) statement. The authors searched Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Communication and Mass Media Complete for studies published between 2011 and 2021 on 29 May 2021. Peer-reviewed studies that discussed persuasive strategies in online misinformation messages were included. Of 1,700 articles identified, 58 were eligible and 258 persuasive strategies were extracted.

Results

Following the affinity diagramming process, 225 persuasive strategies in online health misinformation were categorized into 12 thematic groups by the authors. They are:

1. Fabricating narrative with details

2. Using anecdotes and personal experience as evidence

3. Distrusting government or pharmaceutical companies

4. Politicizing health issues

5. Highlighting uncertainty and risk

6. Exploiting science’s limitations

7. Inappropriate use of scientific evidence

8. Rhetorical tricks

9. Biased reasoning to make a conclusion

10. Emotional appeals

11. Distinctive linguistic features

12. Establishing legitimacy

Discussion

In the discussion section, the authors expanded on the themes identified in the study. The study revealed that health misinformation commonly relies on heuristic cues, such as cues suggesting source credibility, evoking specific emotions, and using relatable examples that appear to be true in real-world situations. The findings of the study suggest that media literacy education is crucial for the public to combat health misinformation. Media literacy education is significant, especially for vulnerable individuals, such as older adults and those with lower education, as they can easily fall into the trap of misinformation mostly because they often lack knowledge of various persuasion strategies

Why’s this study important?

It is important to understand the different persuasive strategies employed in disseminating health misinformation on online platforms and how they are utilized to spread false or misleading health information. Through the findings of this study, we are aware of these techniques and can also consider them when creating debunking strategies for various health misinformation. On a deeper level, we can understand the impact of these persuasive techniques employed in online health misinformation and how it impacts individuals and public health. This study is of great value to policymakers, healthcare professionals, and researchers who are dedicated to addressing the adverse impacts of misinformation in the digital era.

To read the full research paper, click here https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1369118X.2022.2085615?casa_token=RE15Y-tHRb4AAAAA%3AkvMmuGSIKo6ugWOIj5oJOvoi_eFuEJbOk1G3Ui1PzsFU1rqkDVDOu1h-vAMTQoN8h7dPP2yWsTeUSg

* This is a series on the blog where we summarize research papers on misinformation & health misinformation. Most people who aren’t in the academic field consider research papers didactic and boring to read, so we are simplifying research papers for easy comprehension.